The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared that the Olubadan traditional system and succession process are sacrosanct and must continue to be upheld.
The governor stated this on Friday, while presenting the staff and instruments of office to the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, at the Mapo Hall Arcade, Ibadan.
He maintained that all challenges associated with the Olubadan Chieftaincy System in recent years are over, even as he prayed that the reign of Oba Ladoja would usher in peace, progress and development in the city.
Presenting the staff of office to the new Olubadan, the governor said: “In front of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who is here with us to celebrate the coronation and presentation of staff of office, I, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State of Nigeria, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Subsections 1 and 2 of section 20 of the Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Volume 1, laws of Oyo State, Nigeria 2000, and by virtue of all other powers enabling in that behalf, I hereby present the staff of office to Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I.”
Governor Makinde congratulated all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, noting that the era of Oba Ladoja has begun to witness positive developments.
According to him, history was made on Friday when the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, landed at the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Alakia, Ibadan, in the first wide-bodied aircraft to ever land in the facility.
Governor Makinde pointed out that the ascension of the new Olubadan was met with excitement by residents of the city, stating that this was an indication that the people want the Olubadan tradition to be upheld.
“I congratulate all sons and daughters of Ibadanland at home and in the Diaspora. The excitement everywhere in this city today shows that we must uphold our tradition. I want to say that all challenges associated with Ibadan traditional institutions are now over and behind us.
“What this means is that the tradition, the succession and process are now sacrosanct. We know everything about that succession.
“Today, history was literally made. The president landed at the Ibadan Airport with the first wide-bodied aircraft ever to land in Ibadan Airport. This shows that the era of Oba Ladoja has begun to witness positive developments. So, I want to congratulate Kabiyesi and to say that his reign shall be peaceful, bring progress and development to Ibadanland.”
In his welcome address, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, also congratulated Oba Ladoja, stressing that his ascension to the throne marked the climax of his resilient journey.
Lawal equally appreciated President Tinubu, Governor Makinde, his wife, royal fathers and all dignitaries, who witnessed the occasion and supported the Oyo State Government.
Similarly, in their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, Olubadan Coronation Planning Committee, Chief Bayo Oyero; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII)), Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole and the Agbaoye of Ibadanland, Chief Kola Karim, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support and commitment to tradition, describing the coronation of the 44th Olubadan as a blessing to Ibadanland.
The trio prayed that the reign of the new Olubadan would bring more growth, progress and prosperity to Ibadanland and Oyo State.
The event had in attendance the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke; Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Biodun Oyebanji; Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; and Executive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Dr Zacch Adedeji.
Also present were former Governors of Ogun State, Senators Gbenga Daniel and Ibikunle Amosun; former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former Governors of Kano State, Engr Rabiu Musa Kwankaso and former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke;
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