Jacob BABALOLA (Staff Writer)

The Metropolitan Archbishop of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Gabriel ‘Leke Abegunrin has urged the new Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja to use his new office as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan Land to mobilize people to develop Ibadan and Yoruba Land in general.

The Archbishop made the appeal during the Coronation and 81st Birthday Thanksgiving of the new Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja at Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan on Sunday, 28th September 2025.

His Grace, who was the Chief Host and the Chief Celebrant at the Thanksgiving Mass rejoiced with the new Olubadan for his successful Coronation on Friday 26th September 2025 and his 81st Birthday celebration that took place on 25th September 2025.

Archbishop Abegunrin, who analyzed series of infrastructural development in the early seventies, such as the establishment of the Premier University (University of Ibadan), Cocoa House, amongst others wondered what other development have come to stay; he therefore urged the new Olubadan, whom he said is not new in business and governance; having served as Governor and as Senator in the past, to use his new office to mobilize people to bring more development to Ibadan Land and Yoruba Land in general.

The Prelate commended the humility of the new Olubadan as exhibited by him (Olubadan) during His Grace courtesy visit to him before his Coronation. “I was shocked the way Baba bowed to greet me, removed his cap and while going out led my entourage out. This is the king of humility that all of us should have. I thank you for the honour you gave to us.” His Grace stated.

Referring to the day’s Gospel reading about Lazarus and the Rich Man (Lk 16:19-31), the Archbishop condemned the attitude of many today in the society, who not only accumulate wealth but also pursue more wealth continually without being mindful to care for those in need around them. He added that leadership is not about power but about being of service to the subject. He therefore prayed for the new Olubadan for wisdom and strength to rule Ibadan land with peace and love as he said God’s kingdom is that of peace and love.

The new Olubadan was honoured by all with a birthday song while he was also joined by all in thanksgiving as Evangelist Funmi Aragbaye led the thanksgiving choruses while the Archbishop Emeritus, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job prayed and blessed him at the foot of the Sanctuary. The Archdiocese also presented gifts to the new Olubadan in appreciation of his coming to thank God in the Church.

In his remarks, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja thanked God for the journey of his life so far and thanked the leadership of the Catholic Church in Ibadan Archdiocese for their prayers, even as he appealed to all Ibadan people to join him in bringing more development to the Land, for he is only a Coordinator.

Concelebrating the Thanksgiving Mass with the Archbishop were Archbishop Emeritus of Ibadan, Most Rev. Dr. Felix Alaba Job; Vicar General, Ibadan Archdiocese, Very Rev. Fr. Gregory Oyelami; Vicar General of Oyo, Very Rev. Fr. Boniface Wuraola (representing Bishop Emmanuel Badejo of Oyo Diocese); Dean of Bodija Deanery, Very Rev. Fr. Joseph Akinbinu; Rev. Fr. Paulpio Nnaeto, Rev. Fr. Edward Oladele and the Assistant parish priest of Church of Ascension, Rev. Fr. Peace Jemibor.

Also present at the celebration were Oloris, Bishop Makinde, Traditional Rulers, Chiefs-in-Council, Iyaloja, Iyalaje, family members and well-wishers.

Earlier, Rev. Fr. Peace Jemibor read a welcome speech on behalf of the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Awotoye and the parishioners of Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan to receive the new Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja and his entourage in the parish. “To us at the Church of the Ascension, this celebration is a priceless blessing. It is a reminder that the Church and the throne can journey together in the promotion of peace, justice and unity for the common good of Ibadan and Nigeria at large. Your thanksgiving today in the Church of the Ascension, which also happens to be the parish of the Iyalode of Ibadanland, Chief Mrs Theresa Laduntan Oyekanmi, is a great testimony to your avowed interest in the relevance and importance of women in traditional governance and that of Ibadanland in particular. ‘Ki Ade pe l’ori, ki Bata pe l’ese. Ki Irukere di abere, Amin.’” The speech read in part.

It is the prayer of all that the reign of the 44th Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja brings about love, peace, harmony and progress to Ibadan Land, Yoruba Land and Nigeria in general.