*Says he never had differences with Oba Ladoja
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Oyo state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde on Wednesday declared that the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland,Oba Rashidi Ladoja midwifed the process that led to his emergence as governor in 2019.
Speaking at the Bodija residence of Oba Ladoja to celebrate his 80th year birthday anniversary with him, the governor pointed out that the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland also played an important role in his political history
The governor emphasized that contrary to speculations that he had issues with Oba Ladoja, he never had differences with him as a political leader.
He maintained that his political trajectory cannot be completed without a mention of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, saying he and Oba Ladoja may have some political differences, the former governor still has many things to offer the state.
“My political trajectory cannot complete without mentioning his name. Daddy was the one that midwifed the process that led to my emergence as governor in 2019. He played critical roles”, he said.
The governor added, “We may have some political differences. When I became governor in 2019, you were the one that midwifed 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. And sincerely, we will re-align and there will be development. Today is a special day for me. Today is a special day for one of the leading lights in Ibadanland. So, we thank God. A lot of 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 sir. So, we will continue to look forward to your leadership”.
He stressed further that the people of Oyo State will continue to look up to the wisdom, experience and leadership of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of the state, Oba Senator Rashidi Ladoja.
Felicitating the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland on behalf of the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State, Gov Makinde disclosed said contrary to speculations that he had issues with Ladoja, he never had differences with the political leader, who played an important role in his [Makinde’s] political history.
Gov Makinde then he had noticed how some individuals have been accusing him of converting everywhere to a housing estate, but that some developments have to take place even if they appear to be unpalatable at the moment.
He noted that the decisions being taken are in the best interest of the state, saying, however, that wherever there are 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 somewhere 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.”
