Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, on Sunday visited the Olubadan-designate of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, in Oyo State, pledging his support for the monarch’s reign and Ibadan’s continued growth.
Obi was accompanied by the spokesman of the Labour Party presidential campaign council, Yunusa Tanko, the LP’s 2023 Lagos governorship candidate, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Segun Adebanjo.
Speaking with journalists after the visit, Obi said his mission was to pay homage to the new Olubadan due to Ibadan’s strategic importance to Nigeria’s political, social, and economic development.
“The visit is about Nigeria, selfless leadership, leadership that is committed to turning society around,” Obi stated. “Because Ibadan is very strategic and central to the development of Nigeria. As a former governor, senator, and business tycoon, Oba Ladoja has all that he needs to succeed, and I will support him for the sake of one Nigeria.”
He highlighted the city’s long-standing role in education, noting that institutions like the University of Ibadan have shaped leaders from across the country.
Responding, Ladoja described his ascension to the Olubadan throne as an extension of his service to humanity, emphasizing gratitude to God.
“That I am alive today is a further confirmation of the Grace of God upon my life,” he said. “It is God who enthroned Olubadan, not because you have money or influential people around you. That is why I will keep on offering thanks to Him.”
Earlier, Obi disclosed the visit on his official X handle, where he stressed the need for unity, fairness, and justice among Nigerians.
“In both visits, we were fortunate to discuss the state of our nation and how all of us can live in unity, love, fairness, and justice progressively together. The meetings make me believe that coming together of a competent team with capacity, compassion, and commitment can build a new Nigeria that is possible,” Obi wrote.
