The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that his emergence as governor was made possible through the role played by a former governor and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Speaking during his visit to Ladoja’s Ondo Street private residence in Ibadan, the state capital on Wednesday to felicitate Ladoja on his 80th birthday, Makinde said he could not write his political history without mentioning Ladoja.
He explained that whatever political differences both of them could have, he would not forget in a hurry his political trajectory which continues to make him indebted to the octogenarian.
Makinde said he and Ladoja may have some political differences, but that the former governor still has many things to offer the state.
“My political trajectory cannot be complete without mentioning Baba’s name. Daddy was the one that midwifed the process that led to my emergence as governor in 2019. As I said, I don’t have anything against Daddy (Ladoja), and there is no way you will write my political history without his (Ladoja) name. My political history is incomplete without Daddy’s input.
“We may have some political differences. When I became governor in 2019, you were the one that midwifed the process. And I beg you that whenever I have offended you, I have begged you. We may have some political differences. This is not the only thing. And sincerely, we will re-align and there will be development.
“Today is a special day for me. Today is a special day for Ibadanland and the state because one of the leading lights is celebrating his 80th birthday.
“We thank God. A lot of people may not know this, but I feel that whenever I have the opportunity I will say it openly. You still have a lot of roles to play, So, we will continue to look forward to your leadership,” the governor stressed.
Meanwhile, Muslim, Christian and traditional worshippers, who graced the occasion, offered prayers, wishing him more healthy years in life.
They all described him as a very resilient, reliable, political and traditional leader, whose life has been so exemplary in Ibadanland, in the state and Nigeria in general.
Dignitaries include the Oyo South Senator, Sharafadeen Alli; Senator Abdulfatai Buhari of Oyo North; Isaac Jolapamo, a ship magnate and bosom friend of Ladoja; Nureni Akanbi, Arole Iba; the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokere, who led Islamic adherents; Ifalere Adegbola, and Arabia/Olu Isese of Ibadanland, who led the traditional worshippers; Rev Olatinwo Fatoki and Pastor Olusoji Adediji led the Christian worshippers, among many others.
