The newly installed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has declared that he has retired from politics following his ascension to the throne.
Oba Ladoja made the statement on Tuesday while receiving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former Senate President Iyorcha Ayu, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke, and other chieftains of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) at his private residence in Ibadan.
The monarch, who became the 44th Olubadan after the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025, said his new role requires him to serve the people with justice and fairness.
“I’m not one of you again. I am the Olubadan of Ibadanland. So, I am for everybody now. I am no more a politician,” Oba Ladoja told his visitors.
The king explained that his journey in politics started from the Social Democratic Party (SDP), continued with the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and later moved to the Accord Party, which he made popular in Oyo State.
He, however, insisted that his days in partisan politics are now over.
He added that as Olubadan, his duty is to uphold fairness and promote justice, while serving Ibadan people, Oyo State, and Nigeria at large.
Earlier, Atiku Abubakar explained that his absence at Ladoja’s coronation was not deliberate but due to protocol challenges.
“We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional,” Atiku said.
He stressed that the visit was to show respect and reaffirm his relationship with the monarch, while also extending apologies on behalf of his delegation.
With this declaration, Oba Ladoja formally distances himself from partisan politics, pledging instead to act as a father to all, regardless of political affiliation.
The post I’m No Longer a Politician, Says Olubadan Ladoja to Atiku, El-Rufai, Others first appeared on Diaspora Digital Media DDM.
