Olakuleyin Becomes 43rd Olubadan

-As Makinde Presents Staff Of Office To New Monarch

-says Those Focusing On What Divides Ibadan Have Been Put To shame

The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde on Friday presented the staff of office and certificate to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin, stressing that those focusing on what divides Ibadan people have eventually been put to shame with the coronation.

In his words, he said he did the presentation in accordance with the provision of sub-sections (1) and (2) of Section 20 of the Chiefs Law Cap 28 Vol.1 Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, I hereby present the instrument/staff of office, which symbolizes your authority as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.”

After the presentation, the Olubadan thanked the governor and especially the representative of the President, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, who was in attendance. He also thanked all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, including the Olubadan-in-Council led by High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.

In attendance were many dignitaries including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Ondo State governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Osun State governor, Ademola Adeleke, who were represented by their deputies and Chief of Staff.

The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and head of the Olubadan-in-Council, Senator Rasidi Ladoja, led the other High Chiefs to the coronation. Other dignitaries included: Senator Sarafadeen Alli, the 2023 APC gubernatorial candidate Senator Teslim Folarin, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland High Chief Eddy Oyewale, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola the Osi Balogun Balogun of Ibadanland; High Chief Amidu Ajibade, Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland, among many others.

Minister of Power, Chief Adelabu read the speech of President Bola Tinubu, praying God for wisdom for the Olubadan to steer the affairs of Ibadan and uphold the tradition of Ibadanland.

In his speech, Makinde thanked the President for his representation and good wishes for the new Olubadan and Oyo State in general. He appreciated all the traditional rulers in attendance and all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland. He said the coronation and handing over of the staff of office to the 43rd Olubadan became fulfilled.

“What I want to say today is that the day the coronation and handing over of staff of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin has again demonstrated that Ibadanland and Ibadan people can be resilient. Those who have been focusing on what divides is have been put to shame today. We have taken the crown to the Aremo church which is my church. We have taken the crown to Oba Ara Local government where I come from. We have taken the crown to the Ibadan North East local government where I come from. I greet the Kabiyesi and I pray that God shall elongate your years. You shall reign for long on the throne of your forefathers. I congratulate all Ibadan sons and daughters; God shall continue to be with us”, he said.