A frontline governorship aspirant of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has congratulated the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his inauguration as Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Governor Seyi Makinde on Thursday inaugurated members of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs at the State Secretariat, Ibadan, where Oba Ladoja was formally announced as Chairman of the council.
In a congratulatory message issued and personally signed by Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo and made available to journalists in Ibadan on Friday through his media aide, Comrade Raji Adebayo, Ajadi described the Olubadan’s emergence as timely, well-deserved, and a merit-based recognition of his wealth of experience in both public service and traditional leadership.
According to him, Oba Ladoja’s background as a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and former Governor of Oyo State places him in a unique position to provide wise, balanced, and effective leadership for the council.
“This is a well-deserved appointment. Kabiyesi possesses the wisdom, political exposure, and traditional insight required to steer the affairs of the State Council of Obas and Chiefs at this critical time,” Ajadi stated.
He prayed that Almighty God would grant the Olubadan sound health, renewed strength, and long life as he undertakes the responsibility of leading the council.
Beyond the congratulatory message, Ajadi renewed his call on the National Assembly and State Houses of Assembly to formally assign constitutional roles to traditional rulers, noting that monarchs remain the closest authorities to the grassroots.
He argued that traditional rulers are strategically positioned to contribute meaningfully to addressing insecurity across the country, particularly in intelligence gathering and community-based security efforts.
“Traditional rulers are embedded within their communities. They understand their domains and are well placed to identify criminal elements, including bandits, within their localities. Granting them constitutional backing will enable them to function more effectively and lawfully in this regard,” he said.
Ajadi also commended Governor Makinde for appointing the Olubadan as Chairman of the State Traditional Council, describing the decision as a demonstration of wisdom, foresight, and respect for institutional integrity.
He concluded by praying that God would continue to guide the governor with wisdom and strength as he leads the state to the end of his tenure.
