Obi Visits Olubadan-Designate, Calls for Love and National Unity

Former Anambra State governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has urged Nigerians across ethnic, religious, and political lines to embrace love and unity as a foundation for building a better nation.

Obi made the call on Sunday during a courtesy visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.

Speaking during the visit, Obi congratulated the former governor on his forthcoming installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing him as a leader whose wealth of experience in politics and business would serve the ancient city and Nigeria at large.

“I came to pay my respects to the Olubadan-designate, a man I deeply admire. My visit is about Nigeria and the kind of selfless leadership we need to rebuild this country,” Obi said.

He continued: “We have no other nation but Nigeria. Can we unite and love one another to make this country work? Ibadan is strategic to Nigeria’s political, social, and economic development, and I believe Oba Ladoja will lead with wisdom and vision. I will fully support him for the sake of one Nigeria.”

In his response, Oba Ladoja said his new role as Olubadan should be seen as a platform for service rather than luxury.

“People sometimes think the throne is about glamour, but that time has passed. Today, leadership is about service and what you can offer the people,” the monarch-in-waiting said.

Obi was accompanied by Labour Party chieftains, including Lagos governorship candidate Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour and spokesman Yunusa Tanko.

Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives from Oyo State, including Sina Oyedeji (Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Iwajowa/Kajola Federal Constituency) and Adebayo Adepoju (Ibarapa North/Ibarapa Central Federal Constituency), also paid homage to the Olubadan-designate.

Speaking after their visit, the lawmakers described Ladoja as a father figure, noting that he had charged them to remain accountable and deliver meaningful results to their constituents.