Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1), has declared that Ibadan is home to the Ibiras living in the city.
He said the Ibiras are not visitors but recognised residents of Ibadaland and described them as a very loyal people to the cause of the metropolitan city.
Oba Olakulehin stated these while receiving the Baale of Ibira Community in Ibadan, Chief Lamidi Aliu Balogun and his entourage who paid him a courtesy visit at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Speaking through the Aremo, Prince Olasunmbo Owolabi Olakulehin, Olubadan said: “Ibadan has a long history of over one 100 years of mutual relationship with Ibira people. The Ibiras are no longer visitors but recognised residents of Ibadanland.
‘We have therefore accepted them as one of us, given the long standing peaceful co-existence. We look forward to the continuity of the mutually beneficial relationship.”
In his address, the Baale of Ibira Community in Ibadan, Chief Lamidi Aliu Balogun, disclosed that their visit to the Olubadan was a tradition they have maintained over the years.
“We acknowledge the importance of Ibadanland, revere the Olubadan and will continue to obey the laws, customs and traditions of the land.
“Ibira people have found socio-economic prosperity in Ibadan and will therefore continue to pray for peace in the land so that our people can continue to prosper,” he said.
Chief Balogun described Ibadanland as the most peaceful city in the world and advocated for the creation of Ibadan State which, according to him, is long overdue.
He pledged the continued loyalty and cooperation of the Ibiras to Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.
On the entourage of the Baale of Ibira Community were Chief Abdul Rahmon Jimoh Enesi (Asiwaju) Apata Ibira Community; Chief Salihu Usman (Chairman); Chief Ibrahim Leramol (Vice Chairman); Chief Salihu Aminu (from Ayepe, Iwo Road); Abdul Rauf Bello (Auditor) and Allhaja Sikirat Yisa (Iyalode), among others.
