As the ancient city of Ibadan celebrates one of its most revered traditional institutions, the Chief Executive Officer of Opulence Creation and Outfits, Alhaji Bashir Babatunde Azeez Akande, has joined family, friends, traditional leaders and well-wishers in celebrating the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on his 82nd birthday and first coronation anniversary.
Oba Ladoja clocks 82 today, Friday, September 25, while tomorrow, Saturday, September 26, marks exactly one year since he ascended the historic throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland, giving the people of Ibadanland two significant occasions to celebrate, reflect and give thanks.
In his congratulatory message, Akande, the Mogaji Olorin Family and Maye Onijaye of Ijaye-Orile, described the twin milestone as a glorious testament to the Olubadan’s remarkable journey through life, public service, leadership and traditional stewardship.
Akande extolled the monarch’s distinguished life of service and experience, noting that reaching the age of 82 while simultaneously marking one year on the revered Olubadan throne represents a moment worthy of gratitude, prayers and heartfelt celebration.
He prayed that Almighty God would continue to preserve Oba Ladoja, strengthen him with wisdom and sound health, and grant him many more years of purposeful service to Ibadanland, Oyo State and humanity.
“On behalf of my family, associates and well-wishers, I warmly felicitate with His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, on the occasion of his 82nd birthday and first anniversary on the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“May Almighty God continue to grant Your Imperial Majesty abundant wisdom, sound health, strength, peace and longevity. May your reign continue to bring honour to Ibadanland and may you witness many more glorious years on the throne,” Akande said.
The Opulence Creation boss further described the Olubadan stool as a treasured symbol of Ibadan’s history, identity, unity and cultural heritage, stressing that the institution has remained an important pillar in preserving the values and traditions of the ancient city.
According to him, Oba Ladoja’s first year on the throne provides an opportunity not only to celebrate the monarch but also to appreciate the enduring significance of the Olubadan institution and its place in the history of Ibadanland.
Akande also prayed for greater peace, unity and prosperity across Ibadanland, expressing the hope that the Olubadan’s reign would continue to inspire harmony among the people and strengthen the bond between the traditional institution and the community.
The businessman and prominent Ibadan traditional title holder said the significance of the occasion goes beyond birthday festivities, as it offers an opportunity to celebrate longevity, wisdom, heritage and the responsibility that comes with occupying one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional stools.
He therefore called on the people of Ibadanland to continue to accord the monarch the respect and support befitting the Olubadan throne, while joining in prayers for his continued wellbeing and a peaceful, prosperous reign.
“May your 82nd year usher in greater blessings, peace and fulfilment. May the years ahead be filled with sound health, wisdom and enduring joy, and may your reign continue to be remembered for peace, unity and progress in Ibadanland.
“May Almighty God preserve Your Imperial Majesty and grant you many more years upon the throne of your forefathers. Happy 82nd birthday and happy first coronation anniversary, Kabiyesi,” Akande prayed.
The twin celebration therefore offers Ibadanland another opportunity to honour not only an 82-year-old monarch, but also the historic institution he represents — one deeply woven into the identity, history and traditional fabric of the city.
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