Former governors Gbenga Daniel, Rauf Aregbesola and Olusegun Mimiko of Ogun, Osun and Ondo respectively, paid the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja homage at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Monday.
Otunba Daniel said the former governors were in Ibadan to congratulate the Oba Ladoja ahead of his installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Ladoja is a great politician, a great businessman, a ship owner, and a great governor. We were elected as governors then. The two of us had cooperative backgrounds among the five of us who were elected as governors in the South-West region.
“When they wanted to capitalise bank, Ladoja’s contribution was so meaningful that it led to Wema Bank becoming national bank,” Senator Daniel recalled.
For his part, former Ondo governor, Mimiko poured encomiums on Oba Ladoja, himself a former Oyo State governor, for his track record.
“We are here to congratulate Ladoja’s track record. His track record made us proud. So, we are his fans, that’s why we came here,” Mimiko said.
Also, former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ogbeni Aregbesola ruled out politics from the visit, saying the delegation was in Ibadan to pay homage to the incoming Olubadan.
“We know Kabiyesi is now an old man, so no politics. We are just here to pay homage and tell him our readiness to attend the coronation,” Aregbesola said.
Oba Ladoja who was overwhelmed by the roll call of dignitaries thronging his residence, expressed gratitude to his guests and solicited their prayers for a successful reign.
“You should all pray for me because I’m overwhelmed by the number of dignitaries who have been coming to pay homage across Nigeria,” he pleaded.
