The 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II, on Friday, proved that he is a father of all, as prominent Nigerians, irrespective of political affiliations, gathered to honour him at his coronation, earlier today.
Politicians, who were ordinarily seen as combative enemies, dropped their political interests to honour the new Olubadan with their presence at the colourful installation ceremony, held at the historic Mapo Hall.
The coronation ceremony was witnessed by the creme-de-la-creme of the society, including Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, a leading presidential aspirant in the 2023 elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, foremost royal fathers, governors, former governors and members of the National and state Houses of Assembly.
Also present were governors of Ekiti, Ogun and Kano states, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Prince Dapo Abiodun and Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje; representatives of the governors of Osun, Ondo and Edo states, former Governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola (Osun), Olusegun Mimiko (Ondo) and Senator Kola Balogun, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly.
Prominent traditional rulers in attendance were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad; Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero; and Etsu Nupe, Dr. Yahaya Abubakar.
National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Iyorchia Ayu and a representative of the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, were also in attendance at the event.
Meanwhile, the governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, has installed and presented the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II, with the Staff of Office.
The governor, at the coronation ceremony, declared that the dignity of the uinque Ibadan traditional stool has been restored and urged traditional rulers and the Ibadan Traditional Council to preserve and protect the chieftaincy system.
Makinde declared that the event was a victory for Ibadanland, just as he congratulated the new Olubadan, who he described as a man of many parts and expressee the confidence that Ibadan will grow in leaps and bounds during his reign.
The governor, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, charged the Olubadan-In-Council to, as custodians of the cultures and ethos of Ibadanland, protect the sanctity of its chieftaincy system and not allow politicians to interfere with it.
According to Makinde, the Ibadan traditional system is a time-tested and long-lasting chieftaincy system that has remained a worthy example in chieftaincy succession across the globe.
He also urged the new Olubadan to remain steadfast as the gatekeeper of Ibadan traditional system, adding that, if at any point an amendment becomes necessary to the traditional system, such should be self-proposed by the Olubadan-In-Council and not be left to the whims and caprices of politicians.
“I want to restate that even though we politicians will come and go, sometimes, to satisfy our political whims, we may make decisions that do not protect our traditional systems.
“This is why the custodians of our culture must always take a stand against us tinkering with age-old traditional systems.
“Our elders, the members of the various councils, the chiefs, our traditional fathers, they are the gatekeepers and they must remain steadfast in their roles. Remember, no politician can destroy any system without the cooperation of some members of these systems.
“Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to ask that Kabiyesi and the Olubadan-In-Council work to ensure that the laws having to do with the ascension to the throne of Olubadan remain sacrosanct.
“The Olubadan-In-Council should remain self-regulated without any external interference from the political class,” Makinde said.
Governor Makinde, who rejoiced with the new Olubadan as well as sons and daughters of Ibadanland, added: “We rejoice with the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, both at home and in the diaspora.
“The massive crowd gathered here today, speaks to the importance of this occasion. This is an age-old tradition that we must continue to uphold.
“Yes, since the first coronation ceremony was held in the 1850s, we have maintained in the best way possible, given various circumstances, one of the best succession lines in Yoruba history.
“So, we rejoice that today, we crown a new Olubadan. Our gathering here today is a victory for the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, and restoration of our traditional systems.
“I have always taken a stand for the integrity of our traditional systems, and so I am especially delighted that, today, Friday, March 11, 2022, the sanctity of this century-old dynasty has been restored.
Makinde said the new Olubadan has distinguished himself as an excellent professional and has contributed and will continue to contribute to the development of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large, having served both in the private and public sectorsm
He added that he was convinced that Oba Balogun is in a good position to defend the sanctity and tradition of Ibadan people and move Ibadanland forward.
The governor wished the 42nd Olubadan a long, peaceful and successful reign, and prayed that Ibadanland will experience unequalled development, LL and tranquility during the reign of Oba Balogun.
Similarly, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who spoke on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, congratulated the new Olubadan and the people of Ibadanland.
In her welcome address, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, said the people of Ibadan are happy at the start of the new era signified by the installation of the 42nd Olubadan.
Some of the highlights of the installation included traditional homage-paying to the new Olubadan, led by the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, followed by other members of the Olubadan-in-Council, Council of iyalodes, mogajis and religious leaders, among others.
