Religious unity is non-negotiable for national dev’t – Ladoja

2026-02-26 - 20:57

By Adeola Badru The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, has reaffirmed that religious harmony remained his foremost priority, declaring it indispensable to meaningful development not only in Ibadanland but across the nation. This was contained in a press statement issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga, following a courtesy visit by delegates from the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Anglican Communion, Church of Nigeria on Thursday. Receiving the delegation led by the Provost of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Very Rev’d Olusegun Faleye, the monarch assured them that Ibadanland would continue to exemplify peaceful religious coexistence. He noted that virtually every family compound in Ibadan reflects Nigeria’s religious diversity, comprising adherents of African Traditional Religion (ATR), Islam and Christianity. “Ibadanland is an indivisible entity that cannot be divided along religious lines. We strongly believe that we are of the same blood before making the choice of our different religions,” the monarch asserted. He further emphasised the responsibility of traditional rulers in safeguarding unity, adding that: “Any traditional ruler, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, is the father of all religions and, as such, he has to educate his subjects on the need for peaceful coexistence, religious tolerance, love for one another, and to do away with religious bigotry, persecution, holier-than-thou attitudes and any form of religious crisis for peace to reign supreme.” The traditional ruler and Chairman of the Oyo State Traditional Council of Obas and Chiefs, assured all religious faithful that they were free to go about their lawful activities without fear of molestation, intimidation or persecution. Oba Ladoja expressed appreciation to Joseph Akinfenwa and members of his delegation for the visit, and offered them his royal blessings. Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Very Rev’d Olusegun Faleye, Provost of the Cathedral of St James the Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan, formally presented a written invitation to the Olubadan. The invitation requested his presence, in his capacity as Royal Father, at the opening ceremony of the first session of the 25th Synod of the Ibadan Diocese, described as the valedictory synod of the Diocesan Bishop, marking 26 years as Bishop and 40 years of active service in the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion. Very Rev’d Faleye also offered prayers for Oba Ladoja, members of the Olubadan-in-Council and the people of Ibadanland at large. Dignitaries present at the occasion included Oba (Sir) Kolawole Adegbola, Otun Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Biodun Kola-Daisi, Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Salawudeen Amidu Ajibade, Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland; Oba Dauda Abiodun Azees, Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Akeem Mobolaji Adewoyin, Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland; and Chief (Mrs) Bola Doherty, among others.