Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Rashidi Ladoja has declared himself the king of all religions.
Oba Ladoja made the statement on Sunday during a thanksgiving service held at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, following his coronation.
“We are all governing Ibadan. I’m just the coordinator. You people are the small Olubadan; I’m the big Olubadan. Ibadan will be great by God’s grace with your support. I’m now king of all religions. Ibadan is a fertile land; it shall continue to be well with Ibadan,” he said.
The monarch pledged to serve all residents of the city, irrespective of their status or faith and emphasised that the progress of his reign would be a collective effort of the Olubadan-in-Council and the people of Ibadanland.
“I’m Olubadan for all, and the success of my reign will not be mine alone but that of the Olubadan-in-Council and the entire people of Ibadanland,” he said.
Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, was crowned the 44th Olubadan on Friday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, where governor Seyi Makinde formally presented him with the staff and instrument of office.
President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries attended the ceremony.
He succeeded the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who died on July 7, at the age of 90.
At the thanksgiving service, the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, prayed for God to grant the Olubadan wisdom, strength and guidance to rule with fairness and compassion.
