Atiku Offers Apology for AbsenceSpeaking to journalists after the visit, Atiku explained that his failure to attend the coronation was due to unavoidable protocol arrangements, not a lack of respect for the monarch. “We are here to congratulate the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja. Kindly accept our apologies.”Monarch Draws a Clear Line from PoliticsIn his response, Oba Ladoja, a former governor and senator, made it clear that his days as a political actor were over. “Now that I am Olubadan, I’m no more interested in anything other than the Olubadan. The meeting ended on a cordial note, with Atiku and his entourage offering their congratulations and pledging support for the monarch’s reign.