The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has commended the Sultan of Sokoto and President Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar for his religious tolerance towards peaceful co – existence and unity among all religious adherents in the country.
Oba Ladoja gave the commendation while playing host to the Sultan and his entourage at his Oke Are more palace, Ibadan.
According to Oba Ladoja,
Sultan Abubakar has a long history of peace building as a military officer, a Diplomat, a religious leader and the National President of Nigeria Traditional Council, describing his guest as a good friend and a brother who was groomed and tutored in Ibadan as a potential leader years back.
Describing the Sultan of Sokoto as detribalilzed religious and traditional ruler, the Olubadan explained that if all religious leaders emulate his virtue of religious tolerance, there can never be religious misunderstanding in Nigeria
While acknowledging the earlier prayers by Sultan that God would endow him with longevity of life in the service of God, Ibadan land and humanity, Oba Ladoja appreciated the Sultan of Sokoto who is the present Chancellor of the University of Ibadan for seeing to the emergence of an Ibadan Indigene as the Vice – Chancellor of the University for the first time in history, in the person Prof. Kayode Adebowale since the establishment of the institution in the year 1948.
Speaking earlier on the purpose of his visit, Sultan Abubakar disclosed that he was at the palace with his entourage drawn from the six geo -political zones of the country to pay the Olubadan of Ibadanland a courtesy visit.
According to the Sultan, him and his delegation were on a solidarity visit on Olubadan,whom he described as “our Chief Landlord” to express the university’s gratitude for providing it with the enabling environment
He assured Oba Ladoja that the University would be consulting him from time to time for his support and wise counsel whenever the need arises.
Highlights of the visit included presentation of Oba Ladoja’s coronation compendium to Oba Ladoja by the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan as well as gift to Sultan by the Olubadan palace.
The occasion was graced by eminent personalities including the Sultan of Sokoto entourage, the management staff of the University of Ibadan, traditional rulers, the president of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole, president Muslim ummal in the South western Nigeria, MUSWEN, Alhaji Razak Oladejo and foremost school administrator, Mrs. Bola Doherty.
