Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has explained that protocol arrangements prevented him from attending the coronation of Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Atiku, who led a delegation of African Democratic Congress (ADC) coalition leaders to Ladoja’s residence in Ibadan on Tuesday, said his absence was not intentional.
“We are here to say congratulations to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. We regretted that we didn’t attend the coronation. It was not intentional. Protocol arrangements did not allow us to come,” Atiku said.
The delegation included former PDP National Chairman, Iyorcha Ayu; ex-Kaduna Governor, Nasir El-Rufai; former Cross River Governor, Liyel Imoke, and other political allies.
Atiku described Ladoja as a statesman who had played significant roles in Nigeria’s political development, stressing that his leadership would further strengthen the Ibadan traditional institution.
President Bola Tinubu and several dignitaries had attended the coronation held at Mapo Hall last Friday.
