DESPITE their political differences, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and former governor Rashidi Ladoja on Sunday exchanged a warm embrace at the 90th birthday ceremony of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Saliu Adetunji.
When the two political rivals embraced each other, the University of Ibadan International Conference Centre, venue of the event, erupted into wild jubilation.
Governor Ajimobi and Senator Ladoja had been in war of words in recent time.
The week-long birthday celebration attracted prominent monarchs across Yoruba land, members of the state executive council and gladiators across political divides.
Some dignitaries at the event were former governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate leader, Teslim Folarin, Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Fredrick Akinruntan, Eleruwa of Eruwa, Samuel Adegbola and some white cap chiefs from Lagos.
Others were Soji Akanbi, Abiodun Awoleye, Akeem Ige, Daud Akinola and Ademola Ojo.
Some Oyo State political gladiators who attended the event were Olusola Ayandele, Seyi Makinde, Joseph Tegbe, Niyi Akintola, Sharafadeen Alli, Isaac Omodewu, Azeez Adeduntan and Adebayo Adelabu
Ajimobi expressed happiness that the monarch, whom he referred to as his father, clocked 90 years, praying that the ancient city of Ibadan witnessed more development during his reign.
The governor stated that the imbroglio between the state government and the renown gospel musician, Yinka Ayefele, has been resolved, pledging his administration’s readiness to assist him.
Earlier, Ladoja, an Ibadan high chief, congratulated the monarch on his birthday, praying that he reigned longer on the throne of his fore-fathers.
The former governor, who is also the Osi-Olubadan of Ibadan, had at a prayer session held at Popoyemoja palace of the monarch, said the crisis rocking Olubadan-in-Council would soon be resolved.
