‘Eku Birthday, Baba’: Makinde Salutes Osi Olubadan, Rashidi Ladoja At 75
The Oasis Reporters
September 26, 2019
It seemed like an early morning message to emeritus governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashid Ladoja. Felicitating with him is the current governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Chief Rashid Ladoja was governor of Oyo State at the start of Nigeria’s second republic in 2007. But former President Obasanjo sat idly by and seemed to be cherishing the discomfort some governors were undergoing due to unfair impeachments, sometimes orchestrated by political godfathers, especially in the south Western of Nigeria.
Just as Ladoja got impeached in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State, so did it happen to Ayo Fayose in Ekiti State.
While Fayose fought hard to do a second term and succeed under former president Goodluck Jonathan, the only success Rashid Ladoja had was in successfully fighting his impeachment battle to return and complete his first tenure.
Happy 75th birthday to The Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland. High Chief Rashid Adewolu Ladoja.
A great leader and father, thank you for the love, support and guidance.
Baba, I wish you many more happy and peaceful years in good health. pic.twitter.com/ZFhi52YYva
— Seyi Makinde (@seyiamakinde) September 25, 2019
All his valiant attempts to do a second term were rebuffed and never succeeded. Realizing that youthful age was no longer on his side, Ladoja stayed at the head of a coalition to back Seyi Makinde’s determined bid to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC party from government house, Ibadan.
They succeeded. Marking a step up for Ladoja from perennial contestant, to the exalted level of kingmakers in Oyo state, where he’s also a traditional chief under the Olubadan, monarch of Ibadan land.
Under that atmosphere, Seyi Makinde decided to pay homage to the chief celebrant, wishing him more years in robust health and prosperity as he remains relevant in advising and mentoring the young and upcoming leaders.
