Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has advised the Olubadan-designate, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ladoja, to separate traditional rulership from politics as he prepares for his coronation.
Naija News reports that Obasanjo, in a congratulatory statement released through his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, on Wednesday, described the new throne as a highly exalted and responsible position that demands humility, tolerance, and divine wisdom.
Obasanjo congratulated the incoming monarch on his ascension, using the Yoruba phrase “Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese” — meaning a blessing of long reign and stability.
“It is an exalted and responsible position to be traditional ruler of all Ibadan people. It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed. Traditional rulership does not compete or conflict with political rulership,” the former president said.
He further urged the new Olubadan to be patient, tolerant, and open to wise counsel from diverse quarters, emphasizing that leadership of such magnitude is best guided by God.
Oba Abdul-Rasheed Ladoja is scheduled to be crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025.
Meanwhile, in a separate development, political activist and civil society leader, Usman Bugaje, has reignited the long-standing debate over Obasanjo’s alleged third-term ambition.
At a democracy dialogue organized by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation in Ghana last week, Obasanjo dismissed the allegations, insisting:
“I’m not a fool. If I wanted a third term, I know how to go about it. And there is no Nigerian dead or alive that would say I called him and told him I wanted a third term.”
However, appearing on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Monday, Bugaje countered, saying legislators who served during Obasanjo’s administration were fully aware that the former president “did everything within his power” to extend his tenure.
This fresh clash of narratives has once again stirred political discussions around Obasanjo’s legacy and his controversial years in office.
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