The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji on Saturday congratulated one of his high chiefs and the Osi Olubadan, Chief Rashidi Ladoja over his victory in a N4.7billion fraud case premised against him by the Economics and financial Crimes Commission since 2008.
Ladoja secured victory in the court on Friday as the judge, Justice Mohammed Idris of the Federal High Court Lagos state discharged and acquitted the former Governor of Oyo state on all the 11 count charge preferred against him.
Delivering judgement in the 11-year-old trial, Justice Idris said the evidence brought to court against Ladoja and Waheed Akanbi, a former Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, was “too low on credible evidence.”
As early as 9am on Saturday, supporters of Ladoja, mostly members of the Zenith Labour Party besieged the toll gate of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, to welcome their leader to Ibadan, amidst pomp and pageantry.
They were led by the party’s gubernatorial candidate, Sharafadeen Alli; all senatorial, house of representatives and house of assembly candidates, with fuji musicians and local drummers.
The victorious Ladoja who eventually arrived toll gate about 3pm was received by enthusiastic supporters. The convoy of over 100 vehicles including the ones branded ZLP colours, headed to the palace of Oba Adetunji, at Popoyemoja, in the heart of the city.
The monarch who was beaming with smiles as he welcomed Ladoja and entourage, said, “I have always known my Osi as a man of impeccable character whose principled stand would never allow him to indulge in acts capable of dragging his good reputation in the mud.”
Turning to Ladoja, the monarch said, “You are a dogged fighter who believes so much in the sanctity of the rule of law, rather than the rule of men. 11years down the line when the matter started, no one knew when and where the matter and pendulum of justice will swing.
“Alihamdulilahi, Ladoja has been vindicated. It shows that justice and fair play are still applicable in Nigeria,” Olubadan remarked.
He then called on the people to always respect the sanctity of rule of law as Ladoja did while the case lasted.
Ladoja who thanked the monarch for his prayers all the time, said he would always stand on the path of justice. He promised to rededicate himself to the service of God and humanity in general.
He then rode in a motorcade to Oja’ba, Mapo, Beere, Oje, Agodi gate, Total Garden, Sabo, Mokola roundabout and Bodija where another batch of supporters had gathered to rejoice with their leader.
