The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, to intensify efforts in ensuring lasting peace among traditional rulers in Yorubaland.

Mr Ladoja stated this while receiving the Ooni of Ife at his Ibadan residence on Sunday.

The Olubadan-designate described Mr Ogunwusi as a great unifier among traditional rulers and entire Yorubaland with his servant-leader qualities.

Mr Ladoja noted that his efforts in creating jobs for many youths through his various investments has tremendously contributed to reduction of crime among youths.

The Olubadan-designate tasked village and family heads popularly known as “Mogajis” in Ibadan to emulate the leadership style of the Ooni by ensuring peaceful co-existence in their domain.

He said that Mogajis would be held accountable for infractions committed by members of their families.

Mr Ladoja urged Oba Ogunwusi to support him particularly in his renewed commitment to ensure peace among traditional rulers and in Yorubaland.

He said, “My experience as senator, former governor and businessman is not enough to rule as traditional ruler, I am ready to learn from Ooni of Ife who has spent 10 years on the throne and work with other traditional rulers for progress of Yorubaland.’’

In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife described Mr Ladoja as someone who has seen it all being a former governor, senator and experienced businessman.

Mr Ogunwusi said that Mr Ladoja’s wealth of experience would bring unprecedented progress to Ibadanland.

He stated, “We have come a long way together, our journey is not a relationship of today, that is why we have come here to show our love and support for him. We need to rally round ourselves to ensure unity of Yorubaland. Today is not common in history, this is my 10th year on the throne. I have never come out on a day like this in history because we started the seclusion of our Olojo Festival today. I had to seek intervention from our ancestors on behalf of Yorubaland to come and show our love and support, I wish him long life and peaceful reign.’’

(NAN)