Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has extended his felicitations to the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on his formal ascension to the throne, charging him to keep politics distinct from traditional leadership.
In a statement released on Wednesday by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, Obasanjo prayed for the monarch using a Yoruba royal salutation: “Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese” — meaning “may your reign be long and prosperous.”
The former president remarked that Friday’s coronation ceremony would only serve as a formality, noting that Ladoja had already assumed the role of Olubadan.
Speaking from New York, where he is attending the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Obasanjo described the Olubadan’s stool as “an exalted and responsible position” which demands humility, patience, divine wisdom, and tolerance.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate you before the formal announcement. Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese.
“It is an exalted and responsible position to be the traditional ruler of all Ibadan people. It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance, and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed,” he said.
Obasanjo further stressed the importance of separating traditional leadership from political authority, warning against any form of conflict between the two.
“Traditional rulership does not compete or conflict with political rulership. I wish you all the best and the grace, guidance, and direction of Almighty God,” he added.
