Ibadan, Nigeria – Business magnate and politician, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, has described the ascension of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland as nothing short of a divine vindication and a reward for steadfastness, sincerity, and uprightness.
Speaking passionately with journalists on Thursday evening in Ibadan, ahead of the historic coronation scheduled for Friday, Ajanaku, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive of Ajanaku Holdings, emphasized that Oba Ladoja’s journey to the throne was marked by extraordinary resilience, uncommon patience, and unwavering faith in God.
“If God had allowed the wishes of enemies, oppressors, and detractors to prevail, many would have lost faith in integrity and uprightness,” Ajanaku declared. “But today, the fulfillment of divine promise in the life of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja reaffirms the timeless truth that God is a rewarder of faithfulness. No matter how fierce the opposition, if one keeps faith and trust in Him, the mountains will be subdued and light will surely shine at the end of the tunnel.”
Ajanaku lauded Oba Ladoja’s character, describing him as a monarch whose humility, wisdom, and contentment set him apart.
“Oba Ladoja’s contentment has no equal. The Yoruba race is blessed to have him as a royal father. His reign will bring more respect and dignity to the traditional institution in Yorubaland. Ibadan will witness tremendous transformation and development under his leadership.”
According to him, the newly crowned Olubadan would serve as a reservoir of wisdom for the Yoruba people worldwide.
“Yorubas across the globe now have a fountain of wisdom to draw from whenever they face challenges. He is not just a king of Ibadan; he is a formidable voice capable of speaking for the Yoruba nation anywhere, at any time,” he stressed.
Reflecting on his personal relationship with the new Olubadan, Ajanaku expressed profound joy and gratitude, describing himself as “the happiest man alive.”
“This moment is particularly emotional for me,” he said. “Oba Ladoja is not only my political father but my father in every sense of the word. He has stood by me through rain and sunshine. I vividly recall his presence at my father’s funeral service at CAC Olugbode. He arrived earlier than most people and stayed till very late. That act of loyalty and humility remains unforgettable.”
He went further to recount a spiritual turning point during that funeral service, recalling how clergymen prayed over Oba Ladoja and prophesied his eventual coronation as Olubadan.
“I must thank all the servants of God who prayed for him at that service and declared that he would sit on the throne of Olubadan. Today, their prophecy has come to fulfillment. His enthronement is not only the will of the people but the will of God.”
Ajanaku concluded his remarks with heartfelt prayers for Oba Ladoja’s reign:
“I pray that his reign will be crowned with peace, wisdom, and divine guidance. May his leadership bring unprecedented progress to Ibadan, unity to Yorubaland, and dignity to the traditional institution. This is indeed a new dawn for our people.”
With the city of Ibadan already agog in anticipation of the coronation, Ajanaku’s glowing tribute reflects the depth of reverence and expectations resting on the shoulders of the new monarch—an icon of resilience, a custodian of tradition, and now, the symbol of a divine promise fulfilled.
