Behold The Ọ̀yọ́ Prince, Ayobami Adewumi Sanda Ladigbolu

By Barrister Korede Abdullah

Dr Ayo Sanda Ladigbolu, PhD, is one of those highly cerebral friends who have added more luster to this virtual space. As an Ọ̀yọ́ prince, he is contesting the stool of his forefathers as the Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́. It really warmed my heart when I read it from him to become another Ikú Bàbá Yèyé. Dr Ladigbolu merits the exalted position in all ramifications. The Ọ̀yọ́ prince is not just only an urbane personality, but also a well grounded man who is steeped in the cultural nuances of the Yorùbá people. One thing that has amazed me about him is that, despite his royalty pedigree, he is an unassuming personality who mingles with the people freely and does his things without any air of haughtiness or superiority. He is a complete gentleman who embodies the Yorùbá Ọmọlúwàbí ethos.

As an erudite scholar with a doctoral degree to boot, Dr Ladigbolu's intimidating academic aura will no doubt have positive impacts on the socio-economic lives of the Oyo people, especially the youths who will look up to him as an epitome of academic excellence. As a foremost Yoruba monarch, he will definitely project the image of the Yorùbá people positively. His being chosen to occupy the prestigious Aláàfin stool will not only be a boon to Oyo, but the entire Yorùbá both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, given the historical and cultural roles of the Aláàfin of Ọ̀yọ́ whose imperial influence once extended beyond the shores of the present geographical space called Nigeria. Dr Ayo Ladigbolu, apart from being one of us, deserves all the necessary support to realize this ambition. I pray to Almighty Allah to grant his desires. Kábíyèsí o!

©️Korede Abdullah