Oyo State Gov. Seyi Makinde officially enthroned Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd monarch of Ibadanland, witnessed by President Bola Tinubu, governors, and other dignitaries.
In the midst of pomp and splendour, the 89-year-old monarch received a symbolic presentation from the office staff at Mapo Hall on the hill of the ancient city of Ibadan.
President Tinubu, the Minister of Power, Dr. Bayo Adelabu, Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, and Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal were among the prominent dignitaries who graced the event.
Eminent traditional monarchs, such as the revered Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Sultan of Sokoto, His eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, graced the occasion alongside other prominent and respected figures.
As expected, Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, graced the coronation, along with industry captains and lawmakers.
Handing him the staff, Makinde said: “In accordance with the authority vested in me by subsections (1) and (2) of Section 20 of the Chiefs Law, Cap. 28, Vol. 1, Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, I hereby invest you with the symbols of your new office.
“I hereby present the Instrument/Staff of Office, which symbolises your authority as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.”
Makinde charged the new Ibadan traditional ruler to use the position for the upliftment and progress of Ibadanland.
He promised that his administration would continue to promote traditional institutions while also congratulating the entire Ibadan people for the successful enthronement of the new Olubadan.
Tinubu urged Oba Olakulehin to uphold the tradition and values that had made Ibadan a symbol of resilience and progress.
As we look ahead, we recognize that there are challenges, but I am confident that your majesty’s leadership and the cooperation of all chiefs and the people will help us overcome them.
“Let us not forget to live in unity, tolerance, and mutual respect for one another, and let us continue to strive for peace and understanding among ourselves so that Ibadan will continue to blossom,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olakulehin thanked the sons and daughters of Ibadanland for supporting his enthronement.
He pledged to rule the ancient city in a way that would fast-track more development.
Olakulehin also thanked the federal and state governments for their contributions to the coronation’s success.
According to Persecondnews, the stool became vacant following the death of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his forefathers at the age of 81 after ruling for two years.
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