In a way that shows that tradition and culture are a unifier, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has congratulated the about-to-be-crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja.
Both were political foes while in office, with Ladoja bein the Oyo State Governor then.
But Obasanjo appears to have outgrown such a negative memory as he joined others to wish Ladoja well.
He, however, identified some six virtues the latter should embrace to be successful on stool.
According to him, these include humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance, and advice from wide and varied quarters.
In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, made available to newsmen on Wednesday, Obasanjo, in Yoruba royalty salutation, prays “Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese.”
The former president, who, according to the statement, is presently in New York, United States, for the 80th United Nations General Assembly session, said, “I take this opportunity to congratulate you in advance of the formal announcement. Ade a pe lori, bata a pe lese.”
He added, “It is an exalted and responsible position to be the traditional ruler of all Ibadan people. It requires humility, patience, divine wisdom, tolerance, and advice from wide and varied quarters to succeed.
“Traditional rulership does not compete or conflict with political rulership. I wish you all the best and the grace, guide, and direction of Almighty God.”
