Olubadan-designate Oba Rashidi Ladoja pledges to restore Ibadan’s past glory, promising inclusive leadership and crime reduction

Olubadan-designate Oba Rashidi Ladoja has assured the people of Ibadan of dedicated and inclusive leadership as he prepares for his coronation.

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In an interview with City People Magazine, the former governor said his priority would be to restore Ibadan’s past glory, strengthen community participation and create a safe, welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

“They should expect a lot. I am coming to work. I know what I want Ibadan to be. Let’s bring it back to its old glory, when it was the capital of the old Western Region,” he said.

Reflecting on his professional journey, Ladoja recalled his early career at Total Nigeria before moving into entrepreneurship and politics.

He noted that Ibadan is blessed with capable individuals, both indigenes and non-indigenes, who must be fully engaged in the city’s progress.

Citing examples, he praised former minister Frank Nweke Jnr for his role in completing Ibadan’s channelisation project, despite not being of Ibadan origin. He also recalled Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala’s fond identification with the city.

The monarch-designate stressed his desire to see an Ibadan free of crime and guided by integrity, recalling the carefree childhood days when children roamed the city singing Were music without fear.

“I want Ibadan to be what I used to know… But now, crime is increasing,” he lamented.

He revealed that he has already begun engaging Mogajis and Baales, encouraging them to live among their people to provide guidance and support.

“Essentially, we want to bring back an Ibadan that was acceptable and welcoming. When they say Ibadan ngba onile, o ngba alejo, that is because they are accommodating.

I believe we can still create that, particularly with the setup we have now,” he said.

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With his coronation approaching, Oba Ladoja has set high expectations, positioning himself as a monarch committed to inclusivity, unity and the revival of Ibadan’s rich heritage.