The Olubadan of Ibadanland and Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Thursday led a delegation of prominent traditional rulers from Oyo State on a thank-you visit to Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, to express appreciation for the successful rescue of the kidnapped teachers and students from Oriire Local Government Area.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Ladoja said the monarchs were at the Presidential Villa to commend President Tinubu for the efforts of his administration that culminated in the release of the abducted victims after weeks in captivity.
The Olubadan also explained that the visit was an opportunity to appreciate the Federal Government for addressing the poor state of key federal roads linking Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State to neighbouring states.
He specifically highlighted the proposed dualisation of the Ibadan–Ijebu Ode Road, the dualisation of the Ogbomoso–Ilorin Road, and the Badagry–Sokoto Highway passing through the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun areas of Oyo State. According to him, the completion of these projects would open up numerous towns and villages along the affected corridors, stimulate economic activities and improve connectivity across the region.
The foremost traditional ruler stressed that the importance of good road infrastructure could not be overemphasised, pledging the unwavering support and cooperation of the people at the grassroots to ensure the smooth execution of the projects.
Commenting on the rescue of the Oriire abducted teachers and students, Oba Ladoja said that although the traditional rulers never doubted the ability of the nation’s security agencies to secure the victims’ freedom, there were moments when concerns arose over the possibility of their eventual recovery.
He said the successful rescue was therefore a testament to the commitment of President Tinubu, the security agencies and other stakeholders involved in the operation.
“This is why we believe that the efforts of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all stakeholders are commendable.”
The Olubadan further disclosed that the appreciation visit was initially scheduled to begin with a visit by the traditional rulers to the Oyo State Governor on Wednesday, but the meeting could not hold as planned.
The royal delegation included the Oba Francis Alao, the Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, the Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, and the Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
Others were the Oba Adeyeye Oyetunji, High Chief S. Otolorin, who represented the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Oba Abioye Basiru Olalekan, who represented the Okere of Saki.
Also present at the meeting were the President’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe, Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service, Zach Adedeji, and Sunday Dare.
