The ancient city of Ibadan was agog on Thursday as former Oyo State Governor and Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, marked his 81st birthday in a jubilant atmosphere that spilled into the streets.

Ladoja, who will on Friday (today) be crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland at the Mapo Hall, received glowing tributes from relatives, friends, community leaders, and well-wishers who thronged his family compound to celebrate the double milestone.

The festivities at his compound, located a stone’s throw from Mapo, drew residents, traders, and supporters who described him as a humble leader with an uncommon love for the people.

The mood was festive as market men and women, neighbours, and family members dined and drank to mark his 81st birthday.

Speaking during the celebration, the Chairman of the Real Born Association Elders’ Forum, Isale-Osi, Toafeek Kayode Agesin, said the occasion was unique for the people of Ibadan.

“We are celebrating two events together. We are celebrating a former senator, a former governor, and now the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who clocks 81 years today.

“Baba is a special person; he loves the masses. He is humble, he is a leader, and he knows what the people need. The only thing we can do for him is to keep praying for him,” he said.

A market woman, Morufat Olaonipekun Adeshina, said, “Baba Ladoja is a good man. He is a man of many parts and we love him. My prayer is that his reign shall be successful,” she declared.

The Kano State Joint Task Force Committee for Peace Restoration and Youth Rehabilitation has announced that it arrested 78 suspected drug peddlers and thugs within four days.

The operation was conducted successfully following a four-day enforcement operation across multiple high-risk areas of the state.

Working in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency and the Nigeria Police Force, the task force arrested 60 suspects and recovered significant quantities of illicit drugs and other harmful substances.

This is contained in a statement by Sadiq Maigatari, the Public Relations Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Kano State Strategic Command, a copy of which was made available to Arewa PUNCH on Wednesday

“The operation targeted Mariri Yan’itace, Fagge, Badawa, Kasuwar Rimi, Masallacin Idi, Yankaba, Hotoro Flyover, Kofar Mata, Rijiyar Zaki and Jakara.

“Additional raids were carried out at Rumfa College, Dan’agundi Graveyard and Kofar Wambai. Several locations were revisited during the operation to ensure thorough enforcement,” the statement further noted.

Maigatari said the seized items included cannabis sativa, Diazepam, Exol-5, Pregabalin, rubber solution, Suck and Die, and several unconventional substances.

“Our commitment to eradicating drug abuse and thuggery in Kano is unwavering. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice. The safety and well‑being of our citizens are at the top of the priority list.”

He disclosed that investigations into the arrested individuals were ongoing, adding that the Joint Task Force has vowed to ensure that all those found culpable are prosecuted to the full extent of the law, while simultaneously advancing rehabilitation and youth‑rehabilitation initiatives to address the root causes of substance abuse.

The commander of the NDLEA Kano State Strategic Command, A.I. Ahmad, commended the dedication of NDLEA personnel and thanked the Nigeria Police Force for their partnership in the operation.

He also expressed his appreciation for the efforts of the Kano State Government in supporting the operations.

The Task Force urged community members to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities, stressing that public cooperation is critical to sustaining gains and creating a safer, drug‑free environment for Kano’s youth and residents.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, cut short his 2025 annual leave to attend the coronation of the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, today (Friday).

The development followed the approval by the state House of Assembly of his notice of early resumption from leave submitted to the legislature on Thursday.

In the letter, the governor said he deemed it necessary to cut short his vacation and resume duty, due to the historic and culturally-significant event.

The House, presided over by the Deputy Speaker, Abiodun Fadeyi, acknowledged and approved the resumption letter of the governor.

The Deputy Speaker read the letter of resumption of duty during the plenary of the House of Assembly, and it was approved by the state legislative body.

The letter of resumption read: “I shall resume duty today, September 26, 2025, and hereby assume the full functions of the Office of Governor of Oyo State.”

Makinde expressed appreciation to his deputy, Bayo Lawal, for serving effectively as the acting governor during his absence and announced that the deputy governor would now return to his substantive role.

Members of the House of Assembly welcomed the decision and expressed support for his commitment to the cultural heritage.

They unanimously adopted the resumption notice and commended Makinde for showing leadership and honouring a momentous occasion in Ibadan’s history.

The House, therefore, reaffirmed its support for traditional institutions and lauded the proactive steps taken by the executive arm of government to ensure a smooth coronation ceremony of the 44th Olubadan.