Oba Rashidi Ladoja’s Ovation Magazine regret

Preparatory to his formal coronation, the 44th Olubadan-Designate, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has been receiving distinguished eminent personalities in his palace in Ibadan who come pay him homage. On Thursday, he received as son, a brother and a comrade, Chief Dele Momodu, the publisher of Ovation Magazine with a warmth that melted the hearts at the palace as well as the atmosphere.

Oba Ladoja relived their days together in exile in England with nostalgia, commended Dele Momodu’s tenacity and business acumen, and described the veteran journalist as “a hardworking man that has a mind of his own.”

During the convivial meeting, Oba Ladoja commended and applauded Dele Momodu for building a library and resource centre in Ibadan and noted that very many top Nigerians have one thing or the other to do with Ibadan, while many of them actually live in the city.

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He said: “Ibadan is the home of everybody. Many people of note acknowledge this. Many people of repute have passed through Ibadan and they have fond memories of the city. In the same vein, many top people retire to Ibadan. Governors have completed their tenures and returned to Ibadan to settle. They build their homes here and we are happy that they find Ibadan accommodating and comfortable.

“By the grace of God, we shall make Ibadan even better and thereby attract more investments and more reputable people to the city.”

However, regretted one thing he said he did not do back in the days. Oba Lagoja said: “I regret not investing in Ovation Magazine. If I did I might just be playing golf today. The magazine has grown so big and people would be working while I just relax and earn income.”

Earlier, elated Dele Momodu, while congratulating Oba Ladoja, said Kabiyesi “has remained a father, mentor, guide and a source of inspiration just as he has been since the days our small beginnings in journalism and in business.”

While recalling Ibadan of his younger days, Momodu described the city as “the overseas of our childhood days because coming to the city to see the Cocoa House, visit Kingsway super stores, and other such exotic landmarks was a remarkable experience which felt just like visiting overseas.”

Effusive Momodu eulogised Oba RashidiLadoja, saying what he gave him was much more than what money could buy. “He gave us more than what money can buy. He taught us good business ethics and that has been one of our guiding principles.”