The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has explained the reason behind the visit by prominent traditional rulers from Oyo State to President Bola Tinubu, saying the monarchs went to express gratitude for the rescue of abducted students and teachers in the state as well as ongoing federal road projects.
The first-class monarch said the visit was not political but a show of appreciation for the Federal Government’s efforts in improving security and addressing critical infrastructure challenges in Oyo State.
Oba Ladoja made this known in a statement issued on Thursday through his Media Aide, Chief Adeola Oloko, following the meeting with President Tinubu.
The delegation of traditional rulers visited the President in Abuja earlier on Thursday.
Apart from the Olubadan, the delegation included the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Oyebola; the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; and the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
Other royal fathers at the meeting were the Alajawa of Ajawa, Oba Adeyeye Oyetunji; the Aare Ago of Ogbomoso, High Chief S. Otolorin, who represented the Soun of Ogbomoso; and the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Abioye Basiru Olalekan.
According to the statement, one of the major reasons for the visit was to thank President Tinubu for the successful rescue of students and teachers who were abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The victims were kidnapped earlier this year, raising widespread concern across the state and prompting intensified rescue efforts by security agencies.
Their eventual release brought relief to their families, residents and the Oyo State Government after weeks of uncertainty over their safety.
Oba Ladoja, who is also the Chairman of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, said although the traditional rulers had confidence in the ability of Nigerian security agencies to secure the victims’ freedom, there were moments of anxiety during the period of their captivity.
He said the successful rescue demonstrated the commitment of the Federal Government and security agencies to protecting lives and responding to security challenges.
“On the recent release of abducted teachers and students in Oriire from captivity, Oba Ladoja stated that even though they did not doubt the capacity of the Nigerian security operatives to deliver, there were fears over the possibility of the victims’ recovery at some point.
“This is why we believe that the efforts of both President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all stakeholders are commendable,” the statement said.
The monarch noted that the visit provided an opportunity for the traditional rulers to personally appreciate the President for supporting security agencies in the operation that led to the safe recovery of the victims.
Kidnapping has remained one of the major security challenges affecting several parts of Nigeria in recent years, with schools, highways and rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups seeking ransom.
Although Oyo State has generally recorded fewer incidents than some northern states, recent kidnappings have raised fresh concerns among residents and community leaders.
Traditional rulers in the state have repeatedly called for stronger collaboration between communities and security agencies to prevent future attacks.
Beyond security, the Olubadan said the delegation also thanked President Tinubu for ongoing efforts to rehabilitate and construct key federal roads linking Oyo State with neighbouring states.
According to him, many of the affected roads have been in poor condition for years, creating serious challenges for motorists, traders and farmers.
He identified the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road as one of the major projects receiving attention from the Federal Government.
The road serves as an important route connecting Oyo State with Ogun State and provides access to Lagos and other parts of the South-West.
For several years, motorists and commuters have complained about the poor condition of the highway, blaming it for frequent accidents, delays and increased transport costs.
The traditional rulers also acknowledged the ongoing dualisation of the Ogbomoso-Ilorin Road, another strategic highway linking Oyo State with Kwara State and the northern part of the country.
The road is widely regarded as an important economic corridor because it facilitates the movement of agricultural produce, manufactured goods and passengers between the North and the South.
The monarchs equally expressed appreciation for work on the Badagry-Sokoto Highway passing through the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun areas of Oyo State.
The ambitious road project is expected to improve connectivity across several states and support trade, agriculture and economic development.
According to Oba Ladoja, the completion of these roads will open up many towns and villages that have remained economically disadvantaged because of poor road infrastructure.
He said better road networks would make it easier for farmers to transport their produce to markets, encourage investment and improve access to healthcare, education and other essential services.
The Olubadan noted that infrastructure development remains one of the key drivers of economic growth and urged the Federal Government to ensure the timely completion of the projects.
He also encouraged continued cooperation between the Federal Government, state governments and traditional institutions to promote development and strengthen security.
Traditional rulers have historically played important advisory and community leadership roles in Nigeria. Although they do not hold constitutional executive powers, they remain influential voices in conflict resolution, community mobilisation and the promotion of peace and development.
In Oyo State, the Council of Obas and Chiefs regularly engages with government at different levels on issues affecting security, infrastructure, education and economic development.
The visit to President Tinubu reflects the continued relationship between traditional institutions and the Federal Government, particularly on matters of public interest.
While expressing appreciation for the rescue of the abducted students and teachers and the progress on major road projects, the monarchs also signalled their readiness to continue supporting government efforts aimed at improving the welfare and security of the people.
Oba Ladoja said the traditional rulers would continue to encourage cooperation between local communities and government authorities, stressing that sustained investment in security and infrastructure would contribute significantly to the development of Oyo State and the country as a whole.