Atiku explains absence at Olubadan’s coronation, pays homage to Ladoja
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained why he was absent at the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, attributing it to protocol arrangements.
Atiku, who visited the monarch in Ibadan on Tuesday alongside former Senate President Iyorcha Ayu, ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State and Liyel Imoke of Cross River State, as well as other prominent politicians, tendered an apology while congratulating the new Olubadan.
“We are here to congratulate the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to be present, not that we didn’t want to come,” Atiku said.
Governor Seyi Makinde had presented the staff and instrument of office to Oba Ladoja last Friday after cutting short his annual leave to attend the historic event. Ladoja succeeded the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away in July at the age of 90.
The former Vice President described Ladoja as a statesman whose contributions to Nigeria’s political development could not be overlooked. He urged the monarch to accept the team’s apologies for missing the coronation.
In his response, Oba Ladoja declared that he had left politics behind, pledging to serve Ibadanland with fairness and justice. “I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more a politician. Welcome to my house,” he told Atiku and his entourage.
The monarch recalled his political journey with Atiku and others, from the Social Democratic Party to the Peoples Democratic Party and later the Accord Party, but emphasized that his focus henceforth would be on his traditional role.
“All the religious leaders have said the only thing leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people — Ibadan, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,” Oba Ladoja said.
