Pomp As New Olubadan Takes Staff Of Office

Seriki Kicks Against Olubadan’s Installation • Says “They Are Legalising Illegality’’
IT was a gathering of the mighty and the lowly from all walks of life, across the country. Eminent Nigerians, foremost traditional rulers, politicians and teeming masses gathered yesterday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, for the coronation of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Olasupo Adetunji, Aje Oguguniso 1.

The Mapo Hall Arcade venue of the ceremony through to the adjourning streets was full of mammoth crowd, with those who could not gain access into the hall standing on cars and houses to catch a glimpse of the happenings.
Host governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, in his address announced plans to overhaul the chieftaincy institution in Ibadanland to ensure speedy completion of appointment procedures, asking that high chiefs distance themselves from partisan politics as the father of all.

According to Ajimobi, since royalty is service, the “Oba is expected to be above board and rallying point for all citizens.”
“He is the ruler of Ibadanland and symbol of unity and has the final say on customary matters.” “The Olubadan is faced with the task of building peace,” he said.

Presenting the Certificate of Instrument of Office to the monarch, Ajimobi, whose speech was laced with songs, reminded the gathering that nobody could be qualified to be Olubadan if he is not physically and mentally fit.

The governor, apparently speaking on the legal action instituted by the Seriki Chiefs, noted that the Chiefs Law regulating the succession to the stool of Olubadan recognises rotation between the Otun and Balogun lines, stressing that the ascension to the throne is “strictly rotational.”

He said: “The choice of the new Olubadan from the Balogun line is customary, traditional, legal and satisfied all legal provisions without legal encumbrances.”

“The Council, having presented him, I now approve this appointment as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland.” “He is a famous business tycoon and music recording guru, discovering many talents sent across the world.”

In his speech, Oba Adetunji listed his priority to include the creation of Ibadan State and the upgrading of Ibadan Airport to international standard.

He added: “I appeal to Chief Bola Tinubu, as a key personality in this government, to assist us in this regard.”Key Fuji musicians, led by Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, who is on the record label of the Oba, thrilled the crowd that thronged the historic hall to good music.

At the well-attended ceremony were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar; and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Sulu Gambari.

Others include the national leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Tinubu; Governors Rauf Aregbesola (Osun); Ayo Fayose (Ekiti); Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun); Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos); and Rochas Okorocha (Imo).

Also at the occasion were Chief Kola Daisi; Senator Soji Akanbi; Dr. Lekan Are; Chief K. Latunji; Alhaji Adegboyega Arulogun; former governors of the state, Chief Adebayo Alao-Alaka and Dr. Omololu Olunloyo; former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI), Prof Abel Olayinka.

The Olubadan-in-Council, including the Otun Ilubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun; former governor of the state, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, who is the Osi Olubadan, among others, also took turns to pay homage to the new Olubadan.