Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday attributed his absence at the coronation of the former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, to protocol arrangements.
Atiku gave the explanation when he, alongside prominent African Democratic Congress coalition leaders, paid Ladoja a visit at his private residence in Ibadan.
With Atiku were a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyorcha Ayu; ex-Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), and other prominent ADC members.
The PUNCH reports that Ladoja was crowned last Friday in a grand ceremony attended by President Bola Tinubu and a host of dignitaries.
Atiku clarified that his absence was not deliberate, describing the new Olubadan as a statesman who had played pivotal roles in Nigeria’s political history.
“We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come during the coronation, not that we didn’t want to come.”
“We know your roles and relationship with some of us. We are here to congratulate you.
Kindly accept our apologies for not making it to the coronation. We regret not attending the programme,”he added.
In his response, Oba Ladoja declared that he had left partisan politics behind, stressing that his new role demanded impartiality. He recalled his long association with Atiku and others during his political years but emphasised his focus on justice and fairness as monarch.
He said,”I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more one of you. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house.
“Now that I am the Olubadan, I am no more interested in any other thing than the Olubadan. You are welcome to my house.
“We started from the Social Democratic Party, we were in exile together, we were in Peoples Democratic Party together. When I wanted to create identity, I went to Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.
“All the religious leaders, they said that the only thing the leaders can do is to promote justice and fairness. I will serve my people, Ibadan people, the state, Africa and the world at large. I will depend on your support and advice,” the monarch stressed. (Punch)
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