Olubadan of Ibadanland calls for religious coexistence, urges peace among leaders, and elevates five High Chiefs in Ibadan’s historic ceremony.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has renewed his call for religious coexistence among Nigerians and global leaders, urging all faiths to embrace peace and mutual respect as the basis for societal growth.
The monarch made this passionate appeal during a courtesy visit from the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, held at his Oke Aremo Palace in Ibadan on Friday, ahead of the elevation of five High Chiefs.
Oba Ladoja, who has long championed unity and tolerance, stressed that the time has come for leaders across the world, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to make religious coexistence and peaceful coexistence central principles of governance.
According to him, no country can achieve stability or progress without mutual understanding between people of diverse beliefs.
“Our diversity is our strength, not our weakness,” the Olubadan said. “What Nigeria and the world need now is religious coexistence, love, and peace among all peoples, regardless of faith or background.”
The monarch noted that insecurity in Nigeria has affected everyone, cutting across religions and tribes. He warned against interpreting national challenges from a religious lens, saying such divisions only deepen hatred and fuel conflict.
He stated further that the growing insecurity, including terrorism and kidnapping, should be viewed as a collective problem rather than one belonging to a single faith.
Oba Ladoja emphasized that all Nigerians, Muslims, Christians, and traditional worshippers must come together to restore harmony.
“The insecurity we face today should neither divide us nor lead to unnecessary bloodshed,” he said.
“We must stand together, united by humanity and guided by the spirit of religious coexistence.”
The Olubadan also urged President Bola Tinubu and other world leaders to prioritize peaceful cohabitation among all religious and ethnic groups.
He maintained that dialogue, justice, and equity are indispensable to achieving national peace.
He further called on the PFN and other Christian bodies to use their platforms to preach reconciliation and understanding, stressing that religion should serve as a bridge, not a barrier.
In his remarks, Bishop Francis Wale Oke expressed appreciation for the monarch’s commitment to peace and his fatherly wisdom in leading Ibadanland.
The PFN President prayed for long life, health, and divine wisdom for Oba Ladoja, describing him as a symbol of stability and tolerance.
“The killings and kidnappings across our nation affect Christians and Muslims alike,” Bishop Oke said.
“We must promote religious coexistence and end all forms of violence that threaten our unity.”
He also condemned the spate of attacks in various parts of the country, noting that the Church remains committed to working with traditional rulers to foster peace and development.
The visit coincided with the elevation of five prominent High Chiefs in accordance with the Ibadan Chieftaincy Law. The ceremony followed the vacuum created by Oba Ladoja’s ascension as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Those elevated include:
Oba Eddy Oyewole, now the Otun Olubadan,
Oba Kola Daisi, promoted to Osi Olubadan,
Oba Hamidu Ajibade, who becomes Asipa Olubadan,
Oba Murtala Adebayo Akande, now Ekerin Olubadan, and
High Chief Kola Babalola, elevated to Ekaarun Olubadan.
The new chiefs pledged loyalty to the throne and promised to uphold the dignity, peace, and unity of Ibadanland. They also expressed readiness to work with Oba Ladoja in promoting religious coexistence and community development.
Before his coronation, Oba Ladoja himself served as Otun Olubadan, a position he held from the civil line, often referred to as the Otun Olubadan line.
His elevation to the throne continues Ibadan’s rich tradition of succession, built on seniority, merit, and respect for customs.
Throughout his reign, Oba Ladoja has consistently advocated dialogue and religious coexistence among his subjects.
His leadership approach reflects wisdom, inclusiveness, and deep respect for both cultural and spiritual values.
The Olubadan reiterated that every religion preaches love and compassion, urging followers of different faiths to focus on what unites them rather than what divides them.
He emphasized that peace must begin at the community level before it can extend to the nation and the world.
“When we understand each other’s beliefs and values, we remove the seeds of hatred,” the monarch said.
“Ibadanland will continue to be an example of peace through religious coexistence and mutual respect.”
The elevation ceremony concluded with prayers from Christian and Muslim clerics, symbolizing the unity that the monarch has continued to promote.
The atmosphere was filled with joy and cultural pride as the newly elevated chiefs received their titles amid applause from the crowd.
Community leaders, dignitaries, and residents who attended described the event as a testament to Ibadan’s enduring tradition of order, respect, and inclusiveness.
Many applauded Oba Ladoja’s vision for a peaceful and united Ibadanland that upholds both tradition and faith.
The elevation of the five High Chiefs, coupled with Oba Ladoja’s consistent call for religious coexistence, reflects the monarch’s deep commitment to unity, progress, and cultural continuity.
His appeal to Nigerians and global leaders resonates at a time when the world faces mounting divisions along religious and political lines.
As the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja’s message stands clear — only through religious coexistence, understanding, and mutual respect can peace truly reign among people and nations.
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