By Lanre Latinwo
Ex-Gov Ladoja
To him, it was just another day of praising the Creator but his admirers thought otherwise as they trooped enmasse to pay homage to their leader, hero and mentor, a colossus and political titan of no mean standing.
A High Chief and father to several, the celebrant who has for decades, been a rallying point in the business circle before delving into the political terrain, was given a surprise birthday bash by his supporters from all spheres of life at his 28 Ondo street, old Bodija Estate residence in Ibadan.
He woke up last Wednesday to the warm embrace of a teeming crowd that came to felicitate their man and rallying point, the heir apparent, the Osi Olubadan and former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, (FNSE).
The length and breadth of his Ondo street at old Bodija in Ibadan, the political headquarters of Western Nigeria and residence of the iconic politician had never witnessed the unprecedented calibre of personalities as they shut down the area for several hours, making residents to wonder in bewilderment and utter disbelief that the D-Day was Ladoja’s day of glory and that his creator was indeed at work.
And, the last man standing did not disappoint the jubilant guests by according them a grand reception, having a good time with the enthusiasts throughout the period of his 75th birthday celebrations.
With his usual smile, assisted by his family members, the soft-spoken business mogul received as they danced to the lyrics of traditional drummers who performed at the event, throughout.
From the young and old, religious leaders-to-the down-trodding, the media, especially newly christened Ologuneru Ibadan-based Noble FM radio station which broadcasted the earlier part of the event; the prayers and the birthday lecture by the Chief Imam of the premier University of Ibadan, Prof. Abdlrahamon Oloyede and goodwill massages from notable groups and individuals live, it was praises galore for a man who is always on the side of the less privileged and pillar of support to the aspirations of many.
Equally, citadel of educational learning was not left out as scores of students from far and near, miled round the Ibadan High Chief, showing appreciation for the celebrant’s goodwill in the pursuit of their schooling and educational career.
Before the arrival of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and his entourage, his deputy, Alhaji Rauf Olaniyan had earlier in the day led a government delegation including the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Bisi Ilaka to the prayer session.
Equally, several notable individuals, including beaded chiefs and political party chieftains, across the board had reeled out, achievements of the former Governor, describing him as a political enigma who in the past fought and won several political battles in and out of office. Many recalled with nostalgic feelings, his exploits as the Governor of Oyo State as they relived many of his achievements; his hard-fighting core and political prowess while in the Agodi Government House as Chief Executive, among others.
Even, the achievements of his administration, according to speakers at the birthday event, still remain unbeaten as they mentioned the model school projects initiated by the High Chief.
Governor Makinde, in the presence of all, including the House Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin who had arrived about 45 minutes earlier with the principal officers and some members of the House of Assembly, commissioners, Special Advisers, deputy Chief of Staff, heads and members of boards and corporations, Baales, Mogajis and the teeming crowd showered encomiums on the celebrant, proclaiming him a man of the people who should be emulated for his unshaken belief in the greater good of the greatest number of the masses. He was described as a God-fearing man with love for humanity.
For the about 24-hour carnival-like ceremony, the entire stretch of the political juggernaut’s street at the high-brow Bodija was at a standstill as several people came to honour their hero, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who, virtually all members of his dynasty stood, solidly behind, throughout the duration of the epoch-making event.
To cap the event and show signs of love to the celebrating Wolu, as he is fondly called and members of his family both the high and the low, including artisans, the physically-challenged, teachers, public officers, governmental and non governmental appreciated the celebrant with not only encomiums but gifts as it was a show of love for High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja at his 75th birthday.
Mr. Lanre Latinwo, Media Assistant to the former Governo Ladojia, writes from Ibadan
