The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has urged the people and friends of Ibadan to use the twin occasions of his birthday and coronation anniversary to give thanks and offer prayers to God, rather than engage in elaborate celebrations.
This was contained in a statement issued by his media aide, Adeola Oloko, in Ibadan, the state capital, on Sunday.
The Newsmen reports that the prominent royal father and statesman will be 82 on Friday, September 25, and mark his first year on the Olubadan throne on Saturday, September 26, a day after his birthday.
Ladoja, who noted that he had chosen to use the occasion to give thanks to God and pray for himself, the Ibadan traditional institution, Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, said he expected the people to do the same.
“Therefore, I want to implore the people and friends of Ibadan to use the twin occasions of my birthday and coronation anniversary to give thanks and offer prayers to God, rather than resort to elaborate merriment.
“I want to appreciate the people for their co-operation and support over the past year, and I am promising that the future will be better and more glorious than the present, as the joy of the living is in the hope for better things.
“I also want to urge the friends and well-wishers of Olubadan Palace to please extend their hands of generosity during these twin occasions and beyond to people in especially difficult circumstances, especially those in the motherless babies’ homes of their choice, for them to have a taste of the occasions.”