𝐒𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐨𝐤𝐨𝐭𝐨, 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐞𝐫 – 𝐎𝐥𝐮𝐛𝐚𝐝𝐚𝐧

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has lauded the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, describing him as a detribalised leader who consistently champions religious tolerance, harmony and peaceful coexistence across Nigeria.

According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga, Ladoja made the remarks on Tuesday when the Sultan and his entourage paid a courtesy and solidarity visit to the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

The Olubadan said the Sultan, who was groomed in Ibadan as a military officer, diplomat and religious leader, exemplifies tolerance that should be emulated by all religious leaders to prevent crises nationwide.

He further appreciated the Sultan’s prayers for long life and a successful reign and commended him, in his capacity as Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, for facilitating the appointment of the institution’s first Ibadan indigene, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, as Vice Chancellor since 1948.

Earlier, Sultan Abubakar said he led a delegation from all six geo-political zones to pay homage to the Olubadan and to appreciate the people of Ibadan for providing the land on which the University of Ibadan was established.

“We are here on a solidarity visit to our Chief Landlord to express our gratitude for not only giving us the land on which the University was built but also providing us the enabling environment,” he said.

The Sultan assured the monarch that the University of Ibadan would continue to seek his guidance and support whenever needed.

The event was attended by members of the Sultan’s entourage, top management of the University of Ibadan, traditional rulers, and the President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, among other dignitaries.

On November 17, 2025, the Olubadan also urged the Sultan to continue playing his positive role in promoting religious tolerance nationwide, according to a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade.

He was accompanied by the Oyo State Deputy Governor, Adebayo Lawal; President of the Muslim Ummah of South West Nigeria and Deputy President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Rasaki Oladejo; and other notable leaders.