The Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdul-Ganiyy Agbotomokekere, has called on indigenes and close associates of the Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to continually support him with prayers and sound advice that would not mislead his reign.
Agbotomokekere made the appeal in his sermon during a thanksgiving by Oba Ladoja at the Jumaat service held at the Ibadan Central Mosque on Friday.
He said the antecedents of the new Olubadan showed his genuine intention to serve both Ibadanland and the Yoruba nation at large.
According to him, the monarch inherited a good name from his forefathers and built further on it during his tenure as a senator and former governor of Oyo State.
The Chief Imam urged the congregation to emulate Ladoja’s good deeds, noting that everyone should see themselves as shepherds in their respective positions, whether as family heads or community leaders.
“Each shepherd should always know that they will account to God on the last day for how they lead people under their care,” he said.
Among the dignitaries on the Olubadan’s entourage were Senator Fatai Buhari, Senator Sarafadeen Alli, Senator Teslim Folarin, and Senator Soji Akanbi, among others.
Correspondents recall that Oba Ladoja had earlier held a thanksgiving service at the Church of the Ascension, Bodija, Ibadan, where he reiterated his commitment to dedicate the rest of his life to serving Ibadanland.
He pledged that his reign would be focused on promoting peace and development in the ancient city.
(NAN)