The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Thursday led a delegation of prominent traditional rulers from Oyo State to the Presidential Villa, Abuja, where they commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the successful rescue of teachers and students abducted in Oriire Local Government Area after spending 56 days in captivity.
The royal fathers described the rescue operation as a major victory against insecurity, expressing gratitude to the President and the nation’s security agencies for ensuring the safe return of the victims without yielding to criminal elements.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Ladoja said the monarchs were in Abuja to personally appreciate President Tinubu for his administration’s decisive intervention in securing the release of the abducted teachers and students, an incident that had generated widespread anxiety across Oyo State.
According to the Olubadan, the successful rescue brought relief to families and residents who had feared the victims might suffer a fate similar to previous high-profile abduction cases in the country.
“The people of Oyo State were asking many questions and wondering whether these children and teachers were going to become another Chibok girls. But we thank Mr President for coming through. Today, people know they have a President who will not negotiate with kidnappers,” Oba Ladoja said.
The monarch noted that although traditional rulers had confidence in the capacity of Nigerian security agencies to carry out the operation successfully, there were understandable concerns about whether the victims would return safely.
“This is why we believe that the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and all stakeholders deserve commendation. The successful rescue of the teachers and students is worthy of appreciation,” he stated.
Oba Ladoja explained that the visit formed part of a broader effort by Oyo traditional rulers to express gratitude to everyone who contributed to the rescue operation. He disclosed that the royal fathers had initially planned to pay a similar appreciation visit to the Oyo State Governor on Wednesday but were unable to do so as scheduled.
Calls for stronger forest security
While applauding the President’s handling of the security challenge, the Olubadan urged the Federal Government to intensify efforts towards securing forests stretching across Oyo State.
He warned that the vast forest corridor extending from Iseyin through parts of Oyo State to Niger State had become a major security concern and required urgent government attention.
“I also want to appeal to Mr President to look into the forest and do something about it because the forest extends from Iseyin to Niger State. If the forest is secured, it means Oyo State is secured,” the monarch said.
According to him, strengthening security within the forests would significantly reduce criminal activities, improve safety for residents and farmers, and prevent future kidnapping incidents.
Monarchs praise ongoing federal road projects
Beyond security, the Olubadan also commended the Tinubu administration for embarking on extensive infrastructure development across Oyo State, particularly in the area of road construction.
He noted that the Federal Government currently has more than ten ongoing infrastructure projects in the state, valued at over ₦2 trillion, describing them as transformative investments capable of stimulating economic growth.
Among the projects highlighted were the proposed dualisation of the Ibadan-Ijebu Ode Road, the Ogbomoso-Ilorin Road, and the Badagry-Sokoto Highway, which traverses the Ibarapa and Oke-Ogun zones of Oyo State.
According to Oba Ladoja, the projects would improve connectivity, open up rural communities, facilitate trade, attract investment and accelerate economic development across the state.
“The infrastructure development being undertaken in Oyo State is commendable. There are more than ten ongoing projects worth over two trillion naira, especially in the road sector. These projects will bring enormous benefits to our people and improve economic activities across the state,” he said.
He stressed that the importance of quality road infrastructure could not be overemphasised, assuring the Federal Government of the cooperation and support of people at the grassroots to ensure the successful execution of the projects.
Traditional rulers accompany Olubadan
The Olubadan was accompanied on the visit by the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Alao; the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola; the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Alajawa of Ajawa, Oba Adeyeye Oyetunji; the Aare Ago of Ogbomoso, High Chief S. Otolorin, representing the Soun of Ogbomoso; and the Onigbeti of Igbeti, Oba Abioye Basiru Olalekan, who represented the Okere of Saki.
The visit underscored the united position of Oyo State’s traditional institution in recognising the Federal Government’s efforts to tackle insecurity while also advocating sustained investment in security and critical infrastructure to promote lasting peace and development across the state.
