As the entire world await, with glee, the enthronement of His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr) Lekan Ishola Balogun Alli Okunmade II, Newscoven.ng took a pre-event tour of the venue of the installation ceremony, the historic Mapo Hall built at the centre of the great Ibadan City.
The findings were as interesting as historiThe Senator (Dr) Lekan Balogun was confirmed and appointed as the Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Oyo State governor, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, and that he will eventually be installed as the 42nd Olubadan to direct the affairs of Ibadan, reputed to be the largest city in Black Africa, has left the realms of conjecture for reality.c.
The tour was informed by a decision of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA). The state-owned authority had, earlier in the day, announced the diversion of all routes leading to the Mapo Hall, purposely to avoid conflicts that might arise from traffic congestion the area.
Many workers and staff of an event-planning company were on ground, mounting giant canopies and tents meant to shield from the foreseen scorching sun or torrential rain (whichever may be the case) the numerous guests expected at the installation ceremony.
Naphtali Events and Rentals, a Lagos-based company that handle the canopies and tents is, indeed, a big one that proved its worth in handling the remaking of the historic Mapo Hall for the installation of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The company, said to be owned by a ‘shon’ of the ‘shoil’, Edward Adebisi of the famous Adebisi Idikan Clan, brought to the venue ground sophisticated equipment to set up the canopies, among which was a giant tent said to have been purchased directly from China for the purpose of such a big event.
Adding pep to the pre-installation event were groups of young guys who were seen chanting lewd songs, celebrating the annual Oke’Badan Festival, which is about the most important and popular traditional event in Ibadanland.
Guided by security agents on ground, including men and officers of the Nigerian Police and Amotekun, the young people, male and female, said they were happy that the installation of the 42nd Olubadan is coming up at the same time they are celebrating the Oke’Badan Festival.
A popular Yoruba movie artiste, Dauda Amogbekun, spoke with Newscoven.ng on the essence of the festival and its coincidence with the installation of Oba (Dr) Lekan Balogun as the Olubadan.
Amugbekun said: “Oke’Badan Festival is an annual event during which Ibadan indigenes from far and near come together to pray for the continued peace, growth and development of Ibadanland.
“We particularly thank God that this year’s event is coincidental with period we are having the installation of our new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Lekan Ishola Balogun Alli Okunmade II.
“It is, indeed, a day of double celebration. As we are celebrating the annual Oke’Badan Festival today, we shall also be witnessing the presentation of the Staff of Office to our new Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
As noted by a member of the traditional vigilante group, Agbekoya, the frills and thrills that attended the remaking of Mapo Hall for the installation of the Oba (Dr) Lekan Ishola Balogun Alli Okunmade II may, indeed, be a percussor of good things to come during the reign of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
