Former Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, paid a courtesy visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I, at his palace in Ibadan on Monday.
The visit drew attention from across the political and traditional actors, not only because of Aregbesola’s stature but also because it came at a time when leaders across the Southwest are renewing old alliances and strengthening cultural and political bonds.
Aregbesola, who shared news of the meeting on his Facebook page, described it as an honour to sit with the 44th Olubadan, whom he referred to by his traditional title, Arusa I.
He offered prayers for the monarch’s reign, while expressing optimism that it would continue to bring peace, progress and development to Ibadan and the Yorubaland as a whole.
The atmosphere around the palace carried that familiar blend of dignity and ease that often surrounds Oba Ladoja, a respected statesman in his own right and a former governor of Oyo State.
Conversations between the two leaders reportedly ranged from culture to governance and the enduring role of traditional institutions in nation building.
Aregbesola, who was also Minister of Interior under former president, Late Muhammadu Buhari, currently serves as the National Secretary of the ADC.
Westeenmirror.com.ng understands that Aregbesola has been on a tour of the South West in a bid to further entrench the ADC in every state in the region as a political force.