Former 1st Lady of Oyo State Mrs Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja beautiful wife of Osi-Olubadan of Ibadan, High Chief Adewolu Rasidi Ladoja, she has carved a niche for herself in Ibadan. Even after leaving office, she is still well respect. No high-octane party in Ibadan and its neighbourhood is complete without her. Though, highly selective of where she goes, there is no doubt that Mrs Mutiat Ladoja is well-loved. She has a Foundation, which is a blessing to the people of Oyo State.
Ask anyone in Ibadan, you will be told that “Idera De” is one of the foundations that has been putting smiles on the faces of many Oyo State indigenes.
A few months ago, Mrs Ladoja was at Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s son wedding in Lagos. And she was a cynosure of all eyes as she sat beside another former Oyo State First Lady, Mrs Alao Akala. It was surely a day to remember as over 20 first ladies rocked the special Aso-Ebi picked by Yeye Olufunke Daniel.
The ebony pretty woman, who doesn’t look an inch her age, was engaged by City People’s Assistant Society Editor, ABIOLA ORISILE, as she spoke about her 42 years old marriage, how she met her husband, how they both grew up on the same street plus what has sustained her marriage, and how she inherited her signature headgear.
How is life after office, hope you are enjoying every bit of it?
Life after the office has been cool. We are enjoying every bit of it. We are enjoying our lives privately and also give back to the society.
Many don’t know that Yeye Olufunke Daniel and yourself are very close, how did the relationship start?
It started over 30 years. Our relationship didn’t start today. It started way back before we came into government. Don’t also forget that they grew up in Ibadan. Otunba Gbenga Daniel also grew up in Ibadan. So, we have been closed even before we all came into government. Yeye Daniel is like a junior sister to me. That is why I am also wearing mother attire specially picked for mothers.
You have a signature Gele that you always rock, how long have you been rocking it?
I have been rocking my special gele style for years. It was my mum’s signature Gele. I inherited it from my mum, the late Mrs Omowanuwa Apeke. She died many years ago. She is a top Ibadan politician and there is no one who didn’t know my mum back then. So, my headgear is “inherited”.
When is your next birthday?
My next birthday is October 1st and I will be turning 65 years old.
You don’t look 65 years, what is the secret?
Well, when people say I don’t look 65, I take it as a compliment because age is a number. There is nothing I don’t eat. It is pure Grace. Looking younger than one’s age has nothing to do with food, medicine. It is pure Grace and Good Gene.
You have been married for how long?
I have been married for over 42 years. My first child is 42 years old next month.
What is the secret of 42 years of marriage?
You have to be loyal to your husband. Patience, endurance and loving. Marriage is not a bed of roses. So when the good things of marriage come, accept it and if you see the other side, take it as God’s will. No marriage is perfect.
What does it take to be a politician’s wife most especially, a wife to Senator Ladoja?
Maybe you don’t know, I am also a politician. My mother of blessed memories was a great politician. She was a top member of the Action Group. I took after her in Politics. My mum is from Mapo “Ile-Akinyo” which is a popular house in Ibadan. That is where the historical Mapo Hall is. My house is just 3 buildings away from there as a young girl.
What do you do ma?
I have a foundation, so I am basically into Charity work.
How did you meet your husband?
My husband and I stay in the same area. We were just about 3 houses away from each other. So, we couldn’t say specifically when we started. We started as friends and we are still standing tall after 42 years.
What do you like about your husband?
Everything about him. He is a caring and doting father to all his children.
What do you call your husband?
I call him by his initial “ARE”
Why don’t you call him a pet name?
Calling a pet name does not define Love. You want me to call him Baby and all. No, we are cool like that.
Who is your role model?
My mother, though she is late, but I can’t forget her in a hurry. She was generous to a fault. Very hard working and very fashionable.
