• Day Oba Ladoja unveiled Daisi, Amao, Olunloyo, Kuye, Latunji, Subomi as role models, mentors

From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan

The 44th incoming Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewollu Ladoja has unearthed his role models and mentors. He paid glowing tributes to the icons and titans he looked up to while growing up and influenced his life, which he described as worthy of emulation.

He made the disclosure when he visited Bashorun Kola Daisi, the Ibadan-born corporate titan and promoter of Kola-Daisi University. Oba Ladoja who defied the crowds in his Bodija, Ibadan residence to visit and congratulate Daisi on his 93rd birthday at his Iyaganku, Ibadan residence noted that the multi billionaire businessman is, in fact, his mentor:

“Baba, you may not know how much you mean to us. You are an inspiration. We value your contributions to our socio-economic development. We value your academic exploits all through our alma mater, Ibadan Boys High School in 1951 to the London School of Economics.

“The lives you have touched through your business investments and philanthropy are  by, no means, negligible. It is our prayer that you will live longer and longer to celebrate more years in the land of the living

“When one is growing up in life, there are some people who have travelled through the route you are trying to ply. Whether you like it or not you have to follow their footsteps if you don’t want to fall.”

Oba Ladoja stated that apart from Bashorun Kola Daisi, people like Asiwaju Bode Amao, late Dr Victor Olunloyo, late High Chief Omowale Kuye, late Kareem Latunji and late Otunba Subomi Balogun were an inspiration, and very special to him. He said the humanity was blessed to have such a galaxy of stars .

Bashorun Daisi expressed gratitude to the Olubadan-elect and his entourage for finding time out of his busy schedule to visit him. Flanked by his son, the Osi Olubadan-Designate,Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the nonagenarian congratulated Oba Ladoja on his emergence as the 44th Olubadan, saying long life plays a very significant role in Ibadan chieftaincy system.

He said he was proud to witness Oba Ladoja’s emergence as Olubadan, and congratulated the Ibadan people for this great opportunity. He prayed God to give the monarch long life, wisdom, knowledge and understanding to discharge his obligations to the people.”

Oba Ladoja whose 81st birthday falls on Thursday, September 25, 2025, will be crowned on Friday, September 26, 2025, at the Mapo Hall, Oja’ba, Ibadan.