Lagos Infrastructure Investments Reducing Gridlock – Olubadan
Kehinde Adeleye
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has commended Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for what he described as remarkable progress in traffic management, transportation, and infrastructure development across Lagos.
The monarch gave the commendation on Thursday during a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina. He also used the opportunity to thank the Lagos State Government and other stakeholders for the support he received during his coronation last year.
Oba Ladoja noted that Lagos has recorded visible improvements in traffic flow, attributing the development to sustained investments in infrastructure. He specifically highlighted the Blue and Red rail lines, as well as the expansion of water transportation, saying these initiatives have helped reduce travel time and ease congestion in many parts of the state.
According to the Olubadan, Lagos occupies a special place in his personal journey and traditional history, making it important for him to personally express his appreciation to the state and its leadership for standing by him at a crucial period in Ibadanland’s history.
While praising the pace and vision of development under the Sanwo-Olu administration, Oba Ladoja renewed his call for the constitutional recognition of traditional rulers. He said assigning clear roles to monarchs would strengthen governance, promote grassroots development, and improve collaboration between traditional institutions and elected governments.
The Olubadan clarified that his advocacy was not a sign of disagreement with the Oyo State Government, stressing that it was solely aimed at deepening cooperation and strengthening governance structures.
In his response, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Ibadan as a unifying force for the Yoruba people and praised Oba Ladoja for his leadership and stabilising influence within Oyo State and beyond. He also commended the monarch for promoting peace and unity in Ibadanland over the years.
Sanwo-Olu expressed optimism that Oba Ladoja’s reign would bring development and positive transformation to Ibadan and assured him of Lagos State’s continued support in advancing peace, progress, and shared Yoruba heritage.
The visit, according to a statement, highlighted the long-standing cultural and historical ties between Lagos and Ibadan, as well as the growing importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and modern governance in the South-West.
