Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has described the ascension of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland as a testament to the enduring spirit of resilience of Ibadan.
The governor noted that the coronation of Oba Olakulehin has also put individuals who chose to focus on things that divide Ibadan in their place. He pointed out that Oba Olakulehin has now taken the crown to Ibadan North-East and Ona-Ara.
Governor Makinde stated this at the historic Mapo Hall Grounds, where he presented the Staff and Instruments of Office to Oba Olakulehin, on Friday.
“I, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Sections 1 and 2 subsection 20 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Volume 1 Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria, hereby present the staff of office, ratifying the appointment of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“This has again demonstrated that Ibadanland and the people of Ibadan can be resilient. Those who have been focusing on the things that divide us have now been put to shame.
“I want to greet the Kabiyesi and pray that God will grant you long life to reign for a long time on the throne,” he said.
Earlier, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, congratulated Oba Olakulehin.
The president said the celebration of the coronation was that of the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchical system.
He lauded Governor Makinde for sticking to the traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of the new monarch.
Tinubu said: “It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this coronation and the presentation of the staff of office to Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
“I will like to extend my congratulations to the monarch on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. This is a truly remarkable story.
“This ceremony heralds another epoch in the history of this highly regarded traditional institution in Yorubaland, indeed in Nigeria and beyond.
“What we are celebrating today is not just the ascension of Oba Olakulehin but the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchy.
“The nation remains grateful for this abiding legacy of the Olubadan dynasty, which has been a beacon of stability with its unique succession route to the throne, a tradition established since 1851.
“The whole country can learn from this rancour-free Ibadan kingship model.
“We must recognise the immense responsibility that comes with this sacred office, and we pray that God will grant Your Majesty wisdom, guidance, and strength to lead the Ibadan people.
“In conclusion, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Governor ‘Seyi Makinde for sticking to the laid down traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of His Royal Majesty.”
Also speaking, governor of Ogun State and chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, congratulated the new Olubadan and the governor of Oyo State on what he described as the beginning of a new era.
Delivering the welcome address earlier, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Professor Olanike Adeyemo, acknowledged that, beyond the coronation ceremony, the event was in honour of the rich Ibadan cultural legacy that has thrived for centuries.
She applauded Governor Makinde for his commitment to the promotion of the rich cultural heritage of Oyo State.
Giving the vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo, equally appreciated Governor Makinde for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to the preservation and promotion of Ibadan’s cultural heritage.
He said: “Governor Makinde’s vision and support have been instrumental in making this historic coronation ceremony a reality.”
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olakulehin thanked Governor Makinde for his unrelenting support to the traditional institution. He also expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the coronation ceremony.
The event had in attendance the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); former military administrator, old Oyo and Ogun states, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); and former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.
Also in attendance were Osun State governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi; Ondo State governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, represented by his deputy, Dr Olaide Adelami (mni); governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde.
Others included deputy governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Adebayo Lawal; a former deputy governor of the state and National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governors Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo; wife of former Governor Ladoja, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker.
