Atiku Abubakar has apologized to Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja for missing his coronation, citing protocol issues.
He visited the monarch in Ibadan, praising his legacy, while Ladoja vowed impartial leadership.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained why he was not present at the coronation of former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who was recently installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Atiku gave the clarification on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the monarch at his private residence in Ibadan. He was accompanied by prominent leaders of the African Democratic Congress coalition, including a former PDP National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu, and ex-governors Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna and Liyel Imoke of Cross River, among others.
Oba Ladoja had officially ascended the throne the previous Friday in a ceremony that attracted President Bola Tinubu and several dignitaries.
During the visit, Atiku emphasized that his absence was due to issues with official scheduling rather than a deliberate decision. He praised the monarch’s contributions to the nation’s political history and expressed his respect for him.
“We came to honour the new Olubadan and to offer our congratulations,” Atiku said. “We truly regret not being able to attend the coronation. Circumstances around protocol made it difficult for us to be there, but it was never our intention to miss such an important event. Please accept our apologies.”
In his response, Oba Ladoja noted that his role as monarch requires him to rise above political affiliations. He recalled his long-standing ties with Atiku and others from his political career but stressed that his new position demands impartiality.
“I have left partisan politics behind; I now belong to everyone as the Olubadan of Ibadanland,” he said. “Our journey together goes back to the days of the SDP, our time in exile, and later in the PDP. Even when I founded Accord Party, it was part of shaping my political identity. But as king, my duty is now to serve all people without bias.”
The monarch further stated that his focus would be on justice and fairness, adding that he would rely on the support and counsel of leaders across all sectors to fulfil his responsibilities to Ibadan, Oyo State, and beyond.
