The President of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu has other dignitaries across the country to the official presentation of instrument of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1st by the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
The well attended historic event was attended by prominent sons and daughters of Ibadan including all members of Olubadan-in-Council led by the former governor of the state, Senator Rasheed Ladoja at Mapo Hill, Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the President, Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for sticking to the laid down traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of His Royal Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Tinubu described the process that led to ascension of the throne by the new monarch as a remarkable one having become the Mogaji of the Olakulehin Royal House in 1983.
According to Tinubu, “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.
“I would like to extend my warm congratulations to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Olakulehin on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors.
“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.
“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 Kabiyesi 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 recognize 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.
“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.
Presenting the Staff and Instrument of Office to the new monarch, Engr Seyi Makinde, in his address, described the coronation of Oba Olakulehin as a testament of resilience of the people of Ibadanland, wishing him a successful reign.
The governor noted that the coronation of the monarch has also put individuals who chose to focus on things that divide Ibadan in their place, as Oba Olakulehin has now taken the crown to Ibadan North-East and Ona-Ara.
“I, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Sections 1 and 2 subsections 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 a long life to reign for a long time on the throne.”
In his acceptance speech, the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Owolabi Olakulehin, appreciated the President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Oba Babatunde Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi and other dignitaries from far and near, and most importantly Ibadan indigenes for their huge support which has undoubtedly formalized his installation.
The monarch prayed for progress and development of Ibadanland under his reign.
Speaking on behalf of the governors for the Southern part of Nigeria, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun said the ceremony marked the essence of monarchical tradition stability of the southern region for years.
The coronation ceremony was attended by the OOni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, past and serving members of the National Assembly and state House of Assembly from Oyo State, religious, traditional and market leaders among others.
Be the first to comment