Olubadan Breaks Silence, Reveals What Transpired At Closed-Door Meeting With Tinubu, Traditional Rulers

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has disclosed that his recent meeting with President Bola Tinubu, alongside other traditional rulers from Oyo State, was to express appreciation for the Federal Government’s efforts in rehabilitating major federal roads across the state.

Speaking through his Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, the monarch explained that the visit, which took place on Thursday, was also an opportunity to commend President Tinubu for the successful rescue of teachers and students who were abducted in Oriire.

According to Oba Ladoja, the monarchs acknowledged the administration’s intervention in improving the poor condition of federal highways connecting Ibadan and other parts of Oyo State to neighbouring states.

He noted that although they had confidence in the ability of Nigeria’s security agencies to secure the release of the kidnapped victims, there were moments when concerns grew over whether the captives would return safely.

The Olubadan said the eventual rescue of the teachers and students was a significant achievement that deserved recognition, praising President Tinubu, security agencies, and all other stakeholders involved in the operation.

The delegation of traditional rulers included the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Alajawa of Ajawa, Oba Adeyeye Oyetunji; the Aare Ago of Ogbomoso, High Chief S. Otolorin, who represented the Soun of Ogbomoso; and the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Abioye Basiru Olalekan.

In the statement, Oba Ladoja emphasized that the monarchs’ visit was meant to acknowledge the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructure development and to applaud the successful rescue of the abducted teachers and students in Oriire.

“We visited Mr President to appreciate the ongoing efforts to address the poor state of federal roads linking Ibadan and Oyo State with neighbouring states. We also commend his administration and all stakeholders for the successful release of the abducted teachers and students. While we never doubted the capacity of our security agencies, there were moments of uncertainty over whether the victims would regain their freedom. Their safe return is worthy of commendation,” the statement said.