The former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has expressed support for the declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State, stating that it has brought relative peace to the troubled region.
Speaking with newsmen shortly after the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer at his Bodija residence on Sunday, Ladoja defended President Bola Tinubu’s decision, arguing that the measure was necessary to restore normalcy. He emphasized that such an intervention would not have been needed if there had been no crisis in the state.
According to Ladoja, the emergency rule is a welcome development if it ultimately leads to peace. He urged Rivers State Governor Siminialayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to set aside their differences for the greater good of the state.
“Some of them have approached the court. Even the PDP governors have gone to the Supreme Court. The judgment will be faster, so whatever the court says will bind both parties,” Ladoja remarked.
Meanwhile, in Oyo State, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal led government functionaries to represent the state at the Eid-ul-Fitr prayer ground in Agodi, Ibadan. He was joined by the Deputy National Chairman (South) of the PDP, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, as well as Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, and Commissioner for Special Duties, Mrs. Faosat Sanni, among others.
The government convoy arrived at the prayer ground at approximately 9:45 AM, followed by the arrival of former Governor Ladoja, who was representing the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. Ladoja was accompanied by Senator Sharafadeen Alli and other dignitaries, making his first return to the prayer ground after several years.
At about 9:55 AM, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere, led the prayers. He was welcomed by the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta, Alhaji Dahud Makanjuola, along with other top Islamic leaders.
Following the prayers, Deputy Governor Lawal urged the people of Oyo State to uphold the lessons learned during Ramadan and continue living in peace.
“We thank God Almighty that we started Ramadan fasting for 29 days, and today we have seen the end of it. We have come to supplicate to Almighty Allah. The lessons we have learned during Ramadan—patience, compassion, and love—must continue to guide our lives,” he stated.
He further emphasized the need for tolerance and care for the less privileged, noting that the experience of fasting helps the wealthy understand the struggles of the downtrodden.
“In Oyo State, we must be patient, love ourselves, and have compassion, especially for the less privileged. Ramadan teaches us discipline and empathy, and we must carry these lessons forward in our daily lives,” Lawal concluded.
