Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Sunday called on Nigerians regardless of tribe, religion, or political leaning to embrace love and unity as the foundation for building a stronger, more prosperous Nigeria.
Obi made this appeal during a courtesy visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his private residence in Bodija, Ibadan ahead of Ladoja’s formal installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“I’m here first to pay my deepest respect to royalty to a man I hold in high esteem,” Obi said. “My visit is not only to congratulate him on this historic role, but also to affirm our shared belief in selfless leadership: leadership committed to transforming society.”
He added: “Can we truly unite and love one another to build a better country? We have no other nation but this. We must all come together across divides to build it for everyone’s benefit.”
Highlighting Ibadan’s pivotal role in Nigeria’s political, social, and economic landscape, Obi expressed confidence that Ladoja drawing from his rich experience as former governor, senator, and business leader would elevate the city to even greater heights.
“Ladoja has everything needed to succeed as Olubadan,” Obi said. “Ibadan is central to Nigeria’s progress. Institutions like the University of Ibadan have shaped leaders from every corner of the country proof of its unifying power. I will stand with him, for the sake of One Nigeria.”
In response, Oba Ladoja described his ascension not as a ceremonial honor, but as a renewed call to service. “Many still think the throne is about glamour that time is gone. Today, it’s about what you bring to the table for your people,” he stated.
Obi was accompanied by Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Yunusa Tanko, among others.
In a related development, two members of the House of Representatives Hon. Sina Oyedeji (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola) and Hon. Adebayo Adepoju (Ibarapa North/Central), both of the Peoples Democratic Party also paid homage to the Olubadan-designate on Sunday.
Addressing journalists afterward, they described Ladoja as “a father to all” and emphasized his national stature. “He is not just Olubadan of Ibadanland he is Olubadan of Nigeria,” they said. “We couldn’t wait until coronation to show our respect.”
They revealed that Ladoja charged them to deliver results for their constituents: “He told us not to disappoint our people to serve diligently and make impact. That was the essence of our conversation.”