Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi, has described Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, as central to Nigeria’s history and development.

Obi made the remark on Sunday when he paid a courtesy visit to Rashidi Ladoja, the Olubadan-designate, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan. He was accompanied by LP leaders and prominent Igbo indigenes.

“The position of Ibadan in the history of Nigeria cannot be ignored as a home to all because of the hospitable nature of the indigenes,” Obi said.

The former Anambra governor commended Ibadan’s contributions to Nigeria’s socio-economic and political growth, adding that its people at home and abroad have played pivotal roles in national development.

He praised the Olubadan-designate for his record of service as governor and senator, noting that his wealth of experience would enrich his reign as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Oba Ladoja will enjoy the support of all and sundry across the country in his new assignment. On my part, I will render necessary assistance to make the reign of Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan successful,” Obi assured.

In response, Ladoja described his ascension as another opportunity to serve humanity.
“That I am alive today is a further confirmation of the grace of God upon my life,” he said.

He emphasized that the throne of Olubadan is not about glamour but about service.
“It is God who enthroned Olubadan, not because you have money or influential people around you. That is why I will keep on offering thanks to Him. The time of glamour is gone; it is about service and what you have on the table for the people in society,” Ladoja stated.