AS a prominent Ibadan High Chief, business mogul, a member of the Constituent Assembly in Abuja, politician of note, a distinguished senator, one-time governor of Oyo State, revered elder Statesman, Oloye Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, is blessed by his Creator who has preserved him to mark 80 years of magnificent achievements in life in good health. He was born on September 25, 1944. No doubt, the High Chief is favoured. He enjoys God’s infinite mercies. You cannot but like and respect him. I address with pride, a gentleman of honour who radiates warmth, love and grace to fellow men. High Chief Ladoja is indeed a pleasant character whom God has granted the grace to witness 80 years in his earthly sojourn. He is a man of excellence, an exemplary man of valour. If it is in the success of one’s seed, then again, High Chief Ladoja is blessed amongst men, being one of the luckiest in his generation.
In business, politics and state administration, High Chief Ladoja’s name has been made rich and full. Without any doubt, he remains a force in all political calculations in Ibadan and Oyo State politics. He rose from grass to grace with Islamic and Western education of that time. He was determined and focused. He moved into active business and political life, determined not to accept any form of sociopolitical injustice in his entire life. He is a businessman and a visionary leader of our time. Since 1999, he has been a frontline politician in Oyo State. One thing his friends in politics, business and social circles appreciate him for is his total loyalty to his compatriots and absolute commitment to his friends. He never wavers as a genuine friend to so many and is very appreciative of any advice, assistance or support in any circumstances. Nominated into the Constitution Conference in Abuja to represent the interests of the South-West, High Chief Ladoja partnered with other notable members to produce a viable document for our dear country. He is a nationalist to the core. He is equally an irredentist welfarist with vigour and drive.
The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland is a statesman who has completely dedicated his life to service of the people and humanity. He is an affluent Nigerian but leads a simple and most unassuming life. Even in governance, he demonstrated simplicity, endurance, excellence and did not build unnecessary barricades around him as governor. His dress code is simple ankara-agbada outfit, most times with a cap to match. He is courageous, a stickler for excellence; a respected voice in Nigeria, a rare gift to mankind. I appreciate the Omoluabi-personified with big ideas, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, Governor of Oyo State, for the gigantic project (circular road) in Ibadan named after High Chief Ladoja in his lifetime. It is believed in different quarters that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, will expediently consider bestowing a national honour on the celebrant, who served the nation in various capacities and is still rendering advisory services to Oyo State and the nation. It is important that government should recognise and honour our hero(es) when they are still very much around.
As he turns 80 years of age hale and hearty, one cannot but look back and see the story of the man as a lesson on how determination, hard work and dedication with belief in Almighty God can make a man triumph over any kind of limitation in life. High Chief Ladoja, Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, definitely made his mark and will be remembered far and near. Like the adage says, “If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.” Oloye Ladoja has touched the future several times as a philanthropist, businessman, politician, community leader, and administrator and as an exemplary patriarch. From his incredible lifestyle, we are blessed with an example to follow, a standard to aspire to, and in turn a light by which we can live our lives. Now that Baba Oloye has joined the octogenarian club with Obaship stool as icing on the cake, I sincerely pray that Almighty God will grant him many more years in good health, longer life, sound mind and more happy days coated with God’s love that one day he will be celebrated more on a higher pedestal, Amen.
Exodus 33:14: “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Eighty hearty cheers to an accomplished cosmopolitan businessman, community leader and developer, statesman, sophisticated politician and role model to many in and outside Ibadanland . Ka’de pe lori ki bata pe lese, irukere ko da’bere Kabiyesi ooo!!!
- Ayangbayi, JP, a veteran journalist, writes in from Ilorin, Kwara State.
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