Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called on Nigerians to embrace love and unity regardless of tribe, religion, or political affiliation in order to build a stronger nation.
Obi made the appeal on Sunday during a visit to the Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, at his Bodija residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.
“First, I’m here to pay my sincere respect to royalty, to the Olubadan-designate before the installation. I’m here to pay respect for the man I have deep respect for.
“My visit is to congratulate him as the next 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. My visit is about Nigeria, about selfless leadership, leadership that is committed to turning our society around.
“Can we unite and love each other to build a better country? We have no other country except this one. We must all build it together for the benefit of everybody,” Obi said.
He described Ibadan as strategic to Nigeria’s political, social, and economic development and expressed optimism that Ladoja’s experience as a former senator, governor, and businessman would help him succeed as Olubadan.
“Ladoja will bring his wealth of experience to bear as Olubadan. Ibadan is very strategic and central to the development of Nigeria. And as a former senator, governor, business tycoon, he will have all what he needs to succeed. And I will support him as Olubadan for the sake of one Nigeria.
“Most of the schools in Ibadan, University of Ibadan, for example, were attended by many people from different parts of Nigeria and they are making it in all areas of human endeavors,” he added.
In his response, Oba Ladoja said his appointment as Olubadan was an opportunity to serve rather than seek prestige.
“I just see my appointment as Olubadan as another opportunity for service. Many people erroneously believe that the throne is for glamour. The time of glamour is gone; in contemporary times, it is about service, what you have on the table for the people in society,” he stated.
Obi was accompanied on the visit by the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate in Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, and Yunusa Tanko, among others.
