From Bola Ogunlayi, Ibadan
Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde has presented the staff of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin before a mammoth of ecstatic crowds and eminent dignatories in the country.
The event was held at the historic Mapo Hall, Oja’ba Ibadan .
The inauguration of the new Olubadan follows the passing away of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun, a few months ago.
I would like to congratulate his imperial majesty,Oba Olakulehin on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors,declared the Oyo State Governor,Engr Seyi Makinde.
The governor said the coronation was a testament to the resilience of the people of Ibadanland.
In his remarks at the event, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who was ably represented by the Honourable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu expressed gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for sticking to the laid down traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
In his words, Tinubu said, “It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this historic occasion, the coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of this ancient city of Ibadan.”
“Oba Olakulehin’s journey to the throne is a truly remarkable story. He became the Mogaji of the family in 1983 during the reign of Olubadan Asanike and began his journey to this revered throne of Olubadan as the Jagun Balogun in 1986.
It took him 38 years and many steps before fate thrust him to the zenith of the ladder.
The ceremony heralds another epoch in the history of the highly regarded traditional institution in Yorubaland, indeed in Nigeria and beyond.
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.
President Bola Tinubu, in his congratulatory message, wishes the revered monarch a successful tenure.
“As the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am proud to be part of this celebration, I am confident that Your Majesty will continue to uphold the tradition and values that have made Ibadan a symbol of resilience and progress. As we look to the future, we acknowledge that there are challenges ahead. But I am convinced that with Your Majesty’s leadership and the cooperation of all chiefs, sons and daughters of Ibadan and the residents, we can overcome these challenges and together build a brighter future for our city and our nation.”
“Therefore, I take this opportunity to pray for Your Majesty’s long tenure on the throne. May God grant you wisdom to make decisions that benefit all the people of Ibadan City and Nigeria as a whole. May you enjoy good health and strength to discharge your duties with dignity and integrity.”
“I also take this moment to remind us that our collective prosperity is tied to our ability to work together in harmony. As we celebrate this coronation, let us not forget the importance of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect. Let us continue to strive for peace and understanding among ourselves so that our great city may continue to blossom.” Tinubu said.
The colourful ceremony was attended by the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the Ooni of Ife,Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi,Sultan of Sokoto,Sa’ad Abubakar among others.
