The monarch made the call while receiving the Primate of the African Church, His Eminence Julius Osayande Olayinka Abbe, and members of his entourage at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
In a statement issued and signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the Olubadan stressed that prayer remains a vital tool for national stability, peace and progress.
According to him, sincere and consistent prayers can help strengthen the relationship between God and humanity and promote unity and understanding among citizens.
“Prayer is the communication between God and man. Through it, our relationship with God is cemented and improved. Since my enthronement as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, my efforts have been guided and sustained by fervent prayers,” the monarch said.
Oba Ladoja urged clerics and other religious leaders to continue interceding for political leaders, traditional institutions and communities, noting that Nigeria is passing through a difficult period marked by insecurity, violence, economic recession, religious intolerance and social unrest.
He said his coronation was witnessed by people from different walks of life who had high expectations for his reign, adding that only sustained prayers could enable him to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
The Olubadan explained that, unlike political office holders whose movements and utterances are often restricted, traditional rulers remain accessible to the people and are constantly approached for guidance on sensitive national and local issues.
“As a servant of the people, I receive visitors daily who want to hear from me directly on critical matters. I see myself as a messenger between the people and those in authority,” he said.
Earlier, the Primate of the African Church, Julius Abbe, commended the monarch for his leadership style and commitment to peace and development in Ibadanland.
He noted that the positive reports emanating from the ancient city since Oba Ladoja’s enthronement had encouraged many Nigerians to visit Ibadan.
The Primate highlighted some of the monarch’s efforts, including advocacy for the creation of Ibadan State, promotion of peaceful coexistence, fight against insecurity and land grabbing, revival of moribund industries and reforms in traditional institutions.
He also disclosed that the African Church, founded in 1901, was holding a three-day committee meeting in Ibadan, featuring prayers, worship and deliberations.
In a related development, the Acting Customs Comptroller, Oyo/Osun Area Command, Wale Adewole, alongside senior officers, paid a courtesy visit to the palace to congratulate the monarch and seek his royal blessings.
Adewole said the visit was aimed at soliciting the support of the traditional institution for effective service delivery.
The Primate and other visitors prayed for the monarch’s long life, wisdom and peaceful reign.
