A leading Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, and Governor Seyi Makinde on the prestigious awards recently conferred on them by The Sun Newspaper.
Oba Ladoja was honoured with The Sun Newspaper Lifetime Achievement Award 2025 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to governance, politics, economic development, and the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage. Governor Makinde, on the other hand, received The Sun Newspaper Political Personality of the Year 2025 Award for his leadership and democratic credentials.
The awards were presented at a well-attended ceremony held in Lagos on Saturday.
In a statement personally signed and issued on Tuesday, Ajadi described the honours as a clear national acknowledgment of the immense roles both leaders have played, not only in the development of Oyo State but across the South-West and Nigeria at large.
According to him, Oba Ladoja’s reign since ascending the throne of his forefathers has been marked by remarkable efforts at strengthening Ibadan’s traditional institutions, promoting economic growth, and enhancing the overall development of Ibadanland.
Ajadi said he fully aligned with The Sun Newspaper on the conferment of the Lifetime Achievement Award on the Olubadan, noting that the monarch’s track record in public service and cultural preservation made him eminently deserving of such recognition.
He also congratulated Governor Makinde on emerging as Political Personality of the Year, expressing delight that the governor’s people-oriented governance and democratic ideals have received national recognition from what he described as “a leading voice of the voiceless in Nigeria.”
The governorship hopeful said he was not surprised by the award, stressing that it reflected Governor Makinde’s consistent support for democratic values, firm defence of democratic institutions, and commitment to inclusive governance.
Ajadi added that the award was a fitting tribute to the governor’s policies and achievements over the past seven years, which he said have positively impacted the lives of the people of Oyo State.
“I stand with The Sun Newspaper on the choice of the Olubadan of Ibadanland and Governor Seyi Makinde for these prestigious awards. The selections are not only right but well deserved,” he said.
Ajadi prayed for continued strength, good health, and wisdom for Oba Ladoja to sustain his contributions to Ibadanland, while also asking God to grant Governor Makinde greater insight and strength as he approaches the conclusion of his second term in office.
“Governor Makinde has remained an ideal democrat and a strong contributor to Nigeria’s democratic growth, good governance, and sustainable development,” he added.
