Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has said the newly-built Olubadan Palace would attract international tourists just like the Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom.
Speaking at the commissioning of the new edifice at Oke Aremo, Ibadan on Wednesday, he said people would pay to visit the magnificent palace.
He noted that, as part of his administration’s commitment to expanding Oyo State’s economy through tourism, it will see to the rehabilitation of the historic Bower’s Tower.
According to him, the state government has designed a mechanism for the maintenance of the new palace. He added that it would involve all the 11 local government areas in Ibadan making contributions to that end.
He said: “The Palace we are commissioning today has been in construction since the time Chief O.O Bello was the President-General, but we thank God that everything has come to fruition today.”
Governor Makinde lauded his predecessor in office, the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for his courage in starting the project. He thanked Chief Bayo Oyero, for seeing the project through. He also appreciated all Ibadan indigenes who contributed to the success of the project.
He continued: “When the current CCII President came to meet me, I said to him that the only person I trusted, who could fast-track the completion of the project was Chief Oyero, because I knew he was an asset to Oyo State and Nigeria.
“So, Baba, thank you so much. I appreciate you so much for the efforts you have put into this project on behalf of Ibadan.
“For all the indigenes of Ibadanland, who have contributed to the success of this project, I thank you too.”
In his speech, the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, represented by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, commended the governor and other individuals for their efforts.
He added that the second part of the project, which would be the final phase of the palace construction, will commence in earnest. He noted that when completed, the Olubadan Palace would be among the best palaces in the world.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President-General, CCII, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, also thanked Governor Makinde for his financial and moral support towards the completion of the palace and for making it a reality. He added that Makinde has proven himself to be a freeborn son of Ibadanland.
He maintained that the new Olubadan Palace has put an end to the mockery of Ibadan not having a befitting palace.
In their separate goodwill messages, Asiwaju of Ibadanland who is also the chairman on the occasion, Chief Bode Amoo, and a former President-General of CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero, appreciated Governor Makinde for being a worthy and illustrious son of Ibadanland.
They noted that no indigene has invested immensely as much as Makinde has done in the projects of the association.
The event had in attendance the state deputy governor, Alhaji Bayo Lawal; a former deputy governor of the state, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; wife of a former governor, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja and Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Abiodun Fadeyi.
Also in attendance were Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; and Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, among others.
