Politicians across political divides in Oyo State, on Sunday gathered at the home of a former Governor of the state, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, to celebrate him as he clocked 78 years.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ladoja, the Otun-Olubadan of Ibadanland, clocked 78 on Sunday.
Among the frontline politicians present at a special prayer session for the celebration were the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Accord, Sen.Teslim Folarin and Chief Bayo Adelabu respectively.
Others were Chief Sharafadeen Alli, the Senatorial candidate of APC in the 2023 election and representative of Sen. AbdulFatai Buhari, representing Oyo North Senatorial District in the Senate.
At the ceremony, Folarin described Ladoja as an enigma, “since he was a Governor in 2003 and he was among the leaders who installed me as a Senator at that time”.
He said, “Ladoja is a true democrat whose ways of life should be emulated by all politicians.”
Earlier, in a statement, Folarin described Ladoja as “an elderstatesman with uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision and exemplary leadership.”
The Senator, representing Oyo Central in the National Assembly, thanked him for “his unrivalled wise counsels, purposeful leadership, remarkable vision and undying love for Oyo State.”
According to him, I write to specially felicitate my leader, mentor, senior citizen and above all, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Thank you for everything; most especially your unrivalled wise counsels, purposeful leadership, remarkable vision and undying love to see our State advancing toward a saner clime.
“A saner clime where growth and development become the norm daily, for greater service delivery to our citizenry,” he said.
Folarin said he was proud to call Ladoja his leader, adding that he was committed to the former governor’s ideals of impacting positively on the wonderful people of the state.
“And, I will yield always to your wise counsel in order to bring about the much desired change in all facets of our lives.
“You have exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision, exemplary leadership and I pledge to follow in your footprints for the welfare of all state’s citizens In Shaa Allah,” he said.
Also, In his message, Alli described Ladoja as a “rallying figure, great influencer and stabilising factor” for Oyo State.
He pledged to continue to make the celebrator and the people of Oyo South proud as the electioneering for the next election gathers momentum.
The senatorial candidate said that Ladoja’s selflessness and uprightness meant so much to Ibadan city, its customs and traditions.
“I promise never to disappoint you and our people in our collective efforts to reposition the senatorial district for a better service delivery,” Alli said.
Appreciating all the guests, the eldest son of Ladoja, Muideen Adedamola, thanked
the political associates of his father and other well wishers that attended the prayer session for celebrating with his father.
Adedamola, then urged the people to continue to pray for his father to live long so as to become Olubadan as his dream life. (NAN)
