Four governorship aspirants on the platform of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Oyo State, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Mr Aderemi Oseni and Chief Sharafadeen Alli have congratulated a former Governor of the State and leader of the party, Senator Rashidi Ladoja on his 74th birthday.
Similarly, thirteen members of the State House of Assembly led by the Deputy Speaker, Abduwasi Musa and Honourable Gbenga Oyekola, under the aegis of G-13, a group of 13 lawmakers, rejoiced Ladoja on his natal celebration.
While urging all politicians to emulate Ladoja’s simple lifestyle, Akintunde noted that “People easily forget those who are rich immediately after they die. However, people who left lasting legacies are remembered till eternity. Ladoja is not dead but he has continued to be celebrated near and far. He left government almost 12 years ago but people still make positive comments about his administration. He is not obsessed with wealth.
“By all standard, he is a successful businessman. In politics, he has done his bit which will be remembered till eternity. Not long ago, he nurtured a party to limelight within few months. He has always sided with the masses. And that is why till today, his core supporters are the masses; the market women, men, traders, the oppressed.
“I pray God give him and others the strength to take us to the promised land. Not only that, we pray he should live longer so as to guide us to the right direction,” the statement added.
Lanlehin, in a congratulatory message to the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland and signed by his media assistant, Damola Adeoye, described the Ibadan High Chief as a leader of leaders, a Democrat and an epitome of excellence.
“Senator Lanlehin believes that with a man of Senator Ladoja’s stature leading the way in concert with other political heavyweights in the party, the quest to liberate Oyo State from the current neo-fascist and vice-like grip of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), is already an achievable target,” the statement said.
Lanlehin assured Ladoja that “by the grace of God, and the continued support of the Oyo State people, the incoming ADC government will return Oyo State to the glory days of yore, and bring succour to the people.”
In his own message, Alli, who is the Asaaju Balogun of Ibadan, said he remained grateful to Ladoja for making him what he is today in the politics of the state.
Alli commended what he called the exemplary leadership qualities of Ladoja as “a champion who lives permanently in the minds of the people and irrevocable crusader of good governance.”
Oseni, in a message by his campaign organisation, said Ladoja remained “a very credible rallying point in Oyo politics over the last two decades.”
Speaking on behalf of G-13, Honourable Oyekola said the achievements recorded during the Ladoja administration continue to be the benchmark for good governance in the state and beyond.
Special birthday prayers were today offered in commemoration of the 74th birthday of former Oyo State governor and leader of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja at his Ondo Street, Bodija residence.
The clerics offered prayers of good health and God’s continued guidance for the Ibadan High Chief, especially as he joins forces with other like minds to make Oyo State great again.
The clerics charged all present, particularly aspiring politicians to remain committed to the ideals of good governance and welfarism Senator Ladoja is reputed for, while also admonishing them to continue in the party even after candidates might have emerged, as the cooperation of all, they maintain is highly essential.
Present at the occasion were party leaders like Chief Michael Koleosho, Chief Olayiwola Olakojo and members of the party’s State Executive Council.
