Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, said his emergence as governor was made possible through the role played by the former governor and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Speaking during his visit to Ladoja’s Ondo Street residence in Ibadan, the state capital, to felicitate him on his 80th birthday, Makinde said his political history would be incomplete without Ladoja’s input.
He said whatever political differences both of them could have, he would not forget in a hurry his political trajectory which continued to make him indebted to the octogenarian.
“My political trajectory cannot be complete without mentioning Ladoja’s name. Baba was the one who midwife the process that led to my emergence as governor in 2019.
“As I said, I don’t have anything against Daddy (Ladoja), and there is no way you will write my political history without his (Ladoja) name. My political history is incomplete without Daddy’s input.
“We may have some political differences. When I became governor in 2019, you were the one that midwife the process and I beg you that whenever I have offended you, I have begged you.
“We may have some political differences. This is not the only thing. Sincerely, we will re-align and there will be development.
He said the 80th birthday event was a special day for him, Ibadan land and the state.
“Today is a special day for me. Today is a special day for Ibadanland and the state because one of the leading lights is celebrating his 80th birthday. We thank God,” Makinde said.
The governor said the state would continue to look up to Ladoja’s wisdom, experience and leadership, adding that the octogenarian still had a lot of roles to play in the state.
“Many people may not know this, but I feel that whenever I have the opportunity I will say it openly.
“You still have a lot of roles to play. So, we will continue to look forward to your leadership, sir,” the governor stressed.
Speaking on some of his policies, especially on housing, Makinde said some individuals had accused him of converting everywhere to a housing estate, adding that some developments had to take place, even if they appeared to be unpalatable at the moment.
He said the government’s decisions were in the best interest of the state, saying, however, that wherever there were challenges, his government remained open to addressing them and finding a lasting solution.
“Some critics have falsely accused us of land-grabbing. I even read on social media that the way Seyi Makinde is going, he might even convert the Lekan Salami Stadium and even the Secretariat into housing estates.
“Well, there has to be development. But if there must be development, it will follow a certain trajectory. Where there are challenges, I will say it again and again, we will address them.
“It is God that puts one in a position and it is not by one’s power or knowledge. So, this is just an opportunity for me to tell you to engage with us; wherever there are challenges, we can solve the problem together,” he said.
Muslim, Christian and traditional worshippers who graced the birthday event offered prayers for Ladoja.
They all described him as “a very resilient, reliable, political and traditional leader, whose life has been exemplary in Ibadanland, in the state and Nigeria in general.”
Other dignitaries at the event were the senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli; the senator representing Oyo North, Abdulfatai Buhari; a shipping magnate, Isaac Jolapamo; the Arole Iba Oluyole, Nureni Akanbi, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokere; the Araba/Olu Isese of Ibadanland, Ifalere Adegbola; Rev Olatinwo Fatoki and Pastor Olusoji Adediji, among many others.
