We thank you God for giving us this day in witnessing the landmark and historic judgement made to preserve our age-long tradition and heritage, which was threatened by a timed authority. Without doubt, you have again established that your authority supersedes all other authorities, be it constituted or otherwise.
Thank you Lord, to you belong all the glories
My thanks also go to Justice Olajumoke Aiki, an uncompromised judge. An incorruptible judge. The last hope of the weak and powerless. A Judge of awesome conscience. A judge among the judges. For delivering an unprecedented and historical judgement, which could have rewritten the history of Ibadanland for the worst had it been otherwise. We pray that the Lord Almighty would uphold you, protect you and honour you. Thank you, Justice Olajumoke Aiki and the jurists.
The Lagelus fought wars to defend Ibadanland. The Ibikunles, The Ogunmolas, The Ojo Aburumakus, The Oderinlos… The list of those warriors would be incomplete without mentioning Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, as you have fought a war and rescued Ibadanland from her internal threats
To the erudite lawyers who did justice in defence of the case.Despite palpable and vivid threats during the discharge of your duties, you remain committed and refuse to succumb for crumbles. God bless you and thank you all.
To Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, for your confidence in the judiciary and belief in yourself to singularly challenge the oppressive plot of the administration aimed at destroying our collective heritage and age-long, rancor-free tradition, we thank you. When others took the wrong direction, you refused to follow blindly. You have proved that majority sometimes, may be wrong and warped. The Lion in you has shown and differentiated between it and other squirrels. You are the only man left standing when the weaklings fell along the line. When others sold their honour for cheap, you excelled by keeping yours intact and towered above your peers! You are indeed a great leader and role model.
Thank you for rescuing the entire Ibadanland from the oppressors and traitors to our birthplace.
The Lagelus fought wars to defend Ibadanland. The Ibikunles, the Ogunmolas, the Ojo Aburumakus, the Oderinlos… The list of those warriors would be incomplete without mentioning Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, as you have fought a war and rescued Ibadanland from her internal threats. Thank you for remaining the only trusted and honourable leader.
To Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1. Olubadan of Ibadanland, your bravery is exemplified and deserving praises. Even when your crown was threatened by your own ‘son’, you remained unperturbed and unwaivering. When those that are supposed to rally support round you deserted you for cheap offers, you remained resolute and believing in God. Your detractors have failed. Kabiyesi, however, you have to remain magnanimous and embrace all your subjects, including your erring high chiefs, whenever they return with humility. Sorry that your loving Olori (Queen) sacrificed her life to protect your crown and royal stool. May her soul rest in peace.
To those that erroneously claimed that “90 per cent of Ibadan indigenes worldwide” are in support of the involvement of the government on this issue, it’s not rather late to repent and make necessary corrections.
One does not need to remind them of the damages such fallacy has caused the land. A word is enough for the wise.
To the entire Ibadan people, I must congratulate all of us on our different divides as this landmark judgement has resolved the mess created and aimed at dividing us for mere political motives. It is, however, sad to note that one of our own could employ such devilish plan for political permutation..
*Ojetola writes from Ibadan.
