The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has assured local and foreign investors of an enabling business environment as he unveiled his socio-economic plan.
The monarch, who made his first appearance at a thanksgiving service in his honour at the Ascension of Christ Catholic Church, Bodija, Ibadan, stressed the need for the resuscitation of moribund businesses as well as the employment of the teeming youths in Ibadanland.
He said this had become imperative to growing the economy of Ibadan and Oyo State as a whole.
He stated that the throne of Olubadan was not about status or bead-wearing but about facilitating the socio-economic growth of Ibadanland.
“The major assignment before me as Olubadan of Ibadanland is the growth of Ibadanland.
“The status of Olubadan is not about wearing status but ensuring the all-round growth of the town.
“To achieve this feat, I will collaborate with the government at all levels to ensure that Ibadan and Oyo State maintain their pace-setter status.
“We are all governing Ibadan. I am just the coordinator. You people are the small Olubadans; I am the big Olubadan.
“Ibadan will be greater by God’s grace and with your support. I am now the king of all religious groups in Ibadan.
“We have never had a record of a religious crisis in Ibadan because members of the various religious groups are represented in each family in Ibadanland.
“Ibadan is a fertile land for investment and economic growth. It shall continue to be well with Ibadan,” he said
In his congratulatory message, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev Gabriel Abegunrin, described Ladoja’s installation as the new Olubadan as the unfailing providence of God, who had preserved the monarch’s life with strength and wisdom.
According to him, Ladoja’s longevity is a crown of grace, and his enthronement is a divine mandate that entrusts him with peace, unity, and progress for the Ibadan people.
The cleric hailed Ladoja for commencing his reign with an act of thanksgiving in the house of God, saying the gesture of the new monarch reflected not only his humility before God but also his deep recognition of the sacred duty of fostering harmony among all faiths.
“Oba Ladoja has set forth a shining example of interfaith goodwill and mutual respect which will long endure as a legacy of his reign,” he said
Abegunrin said the church and Christian community in Ibadanland commended Ladoja as a father, leader, and custodian of Ibadan heritage. The church pledged its continued prayers and support as it looked forward to collaborating with the monarch to promote justice, peace, and the common good for all residents of Ibadan.
However, he prayed that God would bless Oba Ladoja with continued good health, wisdom from above, and divine guidance to rule with justice, compassion, and courage.
The Olubadan-in-Council, the monarch’s family, Iyalodes and well-wishers attended the event.
