‘Mo dobale’ — Atiku apologises to Ladoja over absence at Olubadan coronation

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has apologised to Rashidi Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, for his absence at the monarch’s coronation ceremony.

Abubakar spoke in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Tuesday when he led a delegation to Ladoja’s palace.

The former vice-president expressed his regret for missing the Olubadan’s historic coronation held last Friday at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, where President Bola Tinubu and other dignitaries were present.

Abubakar, who was Nigeria’s vice-president when Ladoja served as Oyo state governor, attributed his absence at the event to “protocol logistics”.

“I regret my inability to be physically present for the historic coronation due to protocol logistics. Please overlook and forgive me. Mo dobale, Kabiyesi,” Atiku wrote on his X handle.

He praised the monarch’s memory of their shared political history, describing Ladoja as “a longstanding associate”, and wished him a long, prosperous reign.

“I was elated that the Olubadan called every member of the delegation by their names, remembering our time together in the public service,” Abubakar said.

“Indeed, His Royal Highness and all of us had shared decades of time of service to our dear nation.

“I am proud that Kabiyesi, a longstanding associate, has ascended the throne of his forebears.

“It is my prayer that you will enjoy a long reign in good health and vitality that will usher in more growth, prosperity, and peaceful Ibadanland.

“I trust the assurance of Oba Ladoja to serve justice to his people across all religious or political divides. I profoundly thank Ibadan people who turned up in their numbers to receive me and my delegation at the city gate.”

Welcoming his guests, the monarch distanced himself from partisan politics, noting that his new role as Olubadan makes him “for everybody”.

“I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am not a politician anymore. Welcome to my house,” Ladoja said.

He recalled his political journey through the Social Democratic Party (SDP), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Accord Party, which he helped establish.

“We started from the Social Democratic Party; we were in exile together; we were in the Peoples Democratic Party together.

“When I wanted to create an identity, I went to the Accord Party, which became a household name here. I know you politicians have a way of coming back.”

The Olubadan pledged to serve the people of Ibadan with justice and fairness.

Atiku’s delegation included Nasir el-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna; Iyorchia Ayu, former PDP national chairman; Liyel Imoke, former governor of Cross River; and Adamu Maina Waziri, former minister of police affairs.