Accolades as Otun Olubadan celebrate 80th Birthday

By Ayantunde Ayangbayi

As a prominent Ibadan High Chief, a Business Mongul, a member of the Constituent Assembly in Abuja, politician of note, a distinguished Senator of the Federal Republic, One time Governor of Oyo State, revered Elder Statesman, Oloye Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan Land is blessed with the greater glory of his creator by preserving him to mark 80 years of magnificent achievements in life in good health and God’s grace.

He was born on 25th September, 1944. No doubt the High Chief of Ibadan Land is favored, enjoyed God’s infinite mercies and reciprocal benevolence and prosperity from the people of Oyo State, in particular Ibadan Land and by extension Nigeria as a country.

This Journalist presents a simple creation in the hands of God whom you cannot but like and respect him. I present with pride and galaxy, a gentleman of honour who radiates warmth, love and grace to fellow men: High Chief Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja is indeed a pleasant character who it has pleased his creator to grant him long life to witness 80 years birthday in his earthly sojourn.

This write up is decisive step to imprint the celebrant’s name in gold celebrating a life of character, excellence and exemplary man of valour. If it is in the success of one’s seed; then again, High Chief Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja is blessed amongst men being one of the luckiest in his generation.

In Business and politics plus state administration High Chief Rashidi Ladoja’s name has been made rich and full. Without any doubt or aspersion, he remains a force in all political calculations in Ibadan and Oyo State politics. He rose from grass to grace with Islamic and Western education of that time.

He was determined and focused to be somebody in life. He moved into active business and political life with the mind of not accepting any form of socio-political injustice in his entire life, a very busy and active businessman as well as being a visionary leader of our time.

It must be put on record that since year 1999 he has being a front line politician and has worked hard that moved him to a credible position of being one of the political leaders deciding the fortunes of the people in Oyo State. One thing his friends in politics, business and social circles appreciate him for is his total loyalty to his compatriots and absolute commitment to all his friends.

He never wavered as a genuine friend to so many and very appreciative of any advice/assistance/support in any circumstances.

High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja nominated into the constitution conference in Abuja to represent the interest of the Southwest, he network/partner with other notable members to produce a viable document for our dear country. The celebrant is a Nigerian nationalist to the core. He is equally an irredentist welfarist with vigour and drive.

The lifestyle of Otun Olubadan of Ibadan Land, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja is that of a Nigeria Statesman who has completely dedicated his life to services of the people and humanity. He is an affluent Nigerian but leads a simple and most unassuming life. Even in governance he brought simplicity, endurance, excellence and did not build unnecessary barricade around him as Governor. His dress code is simple Ankara-Agbada outfit, most times with a cap to match.

He is courageous, a stickler of excellence, uncompromisingly rigid in principles, a respected voice in Nigeria, a rare gift of the divine providence to mankind and a nationalist.

This journalist used this opportunity to appreciate Omoluabi personified with big ideas Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, Executive Governor of Oyo State for the gigantic project (circular road) in Ibadan named after High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja in his lifetime.

It is believed in different quarters that President Ahmed Bola Tinubu, GCFR, will expediently consider a National Honour bestowed on the celebrant haven’t served the nation in various capacities and still rendering advisory services to the State and the Nation spontaneously. It is important that government should recognize and honour our hero(es) when they are still very much around.

As he turns 80 years of age hale and hearty one cannot but look back and see the story of the man as a lesson on how determination, hardwork and dedication with belief in Almighty God can make a man triumph over any kind of limitation in life.

High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Otun Olubadan of Ibadan Land definitely made his marks and will be remembered far and near. Like the adage says, “If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life,”

Oloye Rashidi Ladoja has touched the future several times, as a philanthropist, businessman, politician, community leader, and administrator and as an exemplary patriarch.

From his incredible lifestyle, we are blessed with an example to follow, a standard to aspire to, and in turn a light by which we can live our lives.

Now that Baba Oloye Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has joined the Octogenarian club with Obaship stool as icing on the cake , . I sincerely pray that Almighty God will grant him many more years in good health, longer life, sound mind and more happy days coated with God’s love that one day he will be celebrated more on a higher pedestrial, Amen.

(Exodus 33:14 “The Lord replied, “My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.”)

80th hearty cheers to an accomplished cosmopolitan businessman, community leader and developer , Statesman, sophisticated politician and of course , role model to many in and outside Ibadan land .

Ka’de pe lori ki bata pe lese, irukere ko da’bere Kabiyesi ooo!!!

Ayangbayi, JP, is a veteran journalist, writes from Ilorin, Kwara State.