By Prosperity Nwachukwu

The Director General/CEO of the National Board for Technology Incubation (NBTI), Dr. Kazeem Kolawole Raji, has paid a heartfelt tribute to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, on his 81st birthday and royal installation.

Dr. Raji described Oba Ladoja as a trailblazer, statesman, and businessman par excellence, highlighting his unprecedented achievements, including serving as a Senator, Governor of Oyo State, and now Olubadan of Ibadanland. “Your journey is not just a biography – it is an institution,” Dr. Raji said. “You stand tall as the first son of Ibadan to have served in these capacities, a triumvirate of influence, leadership, and legacy never before seen in the annals of Ibadan or Yorubaland.”

The tribute also praised Oba Ladoja’s wisdom, integrity, and leadership qualities, noting that his reign is expected to bring unity, dignity, and relevance to traditional institutions. “May your reign be long, luminous, and legendary,” Dr. Raji prayed. “May God strengthen you with Solomonic wisdom, divine health, and unshakable peace.”

The celebration concluded with warm felicitations, including “Happy 81st Birthday, Your Imperial Majesty! Igba odun, odun kan ni o!” and “Long Live Oba Ladoja, Arusa I! Long Live Ibadanland!”