The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has explained why he stayed away from the official state Eid Prayer Ground located at Agodi Gate, Ibadan.
The former governor, who recounted he last joined worshippers in 2011, said his staying away was not political, as being speculated in some quarters.
He said he opted for the Eid Prayer Ground inside the University of Ibadan, Ibadan, because the environment is more conducive to listening to the sermon and concentrating more.
However, he assured he has discussed the issue of good audio quality for people attending the Agodi Eid, and with the improvement, he will participate more there from the next Eid.
He spoke in a remark while joining other faithful who visited Governor Seyi Makinde on Sunday, shortly after observing the Eid-el-Fitri prayer at the Agodi, Ibadan, Prayer ground in commemoration of the end of the Ramadan fast.
The visit was held at the Ikolaba private residence of Governor Makinde.
Oba Ladoja urged Nigerians to be more patient with the government, saying there is light at the end of the tunnel.
According to him, “I was last at the Agodi Eid Prayer Ground in 2011. I have since been attending the University of Ibadan (UI) Eid because there, we usually have the opportunity to listen to a sermon. The place is usually calm; maybe it’s because they have plenty of security operatives.
“Everyone sits there quietly until the Imam finishes all the prayers and the sermon before we leave for home.
“I have discussed with some people that we must make arrangements for sound quality audio (at Agodi Eid Prayer Ground) so that everyone will be able to hear the sermon clearly. There should be a difference from the next Eid.”
He also delivered the goodwill message of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, urging all residents to be optimistic of a better state and country.
He recounted the sermon of an Imam who preached sometimes ago and foretold the faithful that God was going to test the people with some inconveniences for a while, after which there would be ease and surplus.
He expressed confidence in God, the leadership of President Tinubu, and Governor Makinde to bring about better tomorrow. “The Olubadan asked me to greet everyone on the occasion of the Eid. He asked me to assure us all that everything that is not enough now will soon be in excess.
