Ibadan, Nigeria: The Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, has praised Ibadan’s kingship succession model as one of the most structured and exemplary systems in the Yoruba race.
The traditional ruler stated this in an interview with reporters after he visited the private residence of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Thursday in Ibadan.
The traditional ruler told reporters that he came to congratulate Ladoja and discuss how the traditional rulers in the state could form a formidable synergy to ensure unity, progress and development of Oyo state.
He said that the rich experience and wisdom of the Olubadan-designate as a former governor and distinguished senator could not be underrated in achieving much-needed peaceful coexistence of the entire Yoruba race.
“We are blessed in the Oyo State traditional council to have somebody of his like – a former governor and senator – in our midst. We are making history in one way or another.
“It has not happened in the history of Nigeria that a former governor will take the position of first-class paramount ruler.
“As traditional rulers, we must jointly work on unity, progress and development of Oyo State. The interest of our dear state should come first above any other for a traditional ruler.
“This must be our paramount goal; hence, we must work with the governor and local government chairmen to ensure sustainable development in our domains,” he said.