The palace of the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadan was agog yesterday as a traditional and political delegation from Ekiti State paid a royal homage to the new king.
The delegation, led by retired Brigadier Tunde Ogunade, comprised prominent sons and daughters of Ekiti State who visited the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa I), on the occasion of his coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan. The new Olubadan is a former senator and a former governor of Oyo State.
Speaking during the visit, Chief Tunde Ogunade — an influential indigene of Ekiti State, business mogul, and prominent member of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) — said:
“It is a thing of joy for me personally to lead our people to congratulate the new Olubadan and wish him well in this new journey. We also pray that his reign brings lasting peace, unity, and prosperity to the Ibadan Kingdom.”
Brigadier Ogunade (rtd.) also used the occasion to appeal to the monarch to use his influence in supporting his long-sought ambition of becoming the High Chief Ajana of Iloro-Ekiti.
The Ekiti delegation included traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and political figures, all of whom expressed goodwill and solidarity with the monarch. The visit symbolized the enduring cultural and political ties between the people of Ekiti and Ibadan — two regions bound by shared history and mutual respect.
In his response, Oba Rashidi Ladoja appreciated the warm gesture from the Ekiti delegation and emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in promoting development, peace, and unity across Yorubaland. He pledged to use his position to advance cultural values and foster inter-ethnic harmony within and beyond Oyo State.
