The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has assured both local and foreign investors of an enabling business environment as he unveiled his socio-economic plan.
The monarch who made his first appearance during his thanksgiving service after coronation at the Ascension of Christ Catholic Church, Bodija, Ibadan, stressed the need for the resuscitation of moribund businesses as well as the employment of teeming youths in Ibadanland.
The Olubadan said this had become imperative to grow the economy of not only Ibadan, but 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 the wearing of 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 at large 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 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 message, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev Gabriel Abegunrin, described Oba Ladoja’s installation as the new Olubadan as the unfailing providence of God, who had preserved the life of the monarch with strength and wisdom.
He described the new Olubadan’s longevity as a crown of grace, stressing that his enthronement was a divine mandate which entrusted him with peace, unity and the progress of the Ibadan people.
The cleric hailed Ladoja for commencing his reign with an act of thanksgiving in the house of God, saying the gesture 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 pledged the church’s continued prayers and support as it looked forward to collaborating with the monarch in promoting justice, peace and the common good for all residents of Ibadan.
He, however, 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 event was attended by the Olubadan-in-Council, the family of the monarch, Iyalodes and well-wishers.
