Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Tuesday, explained that the Ibadan traditional institution will continue to remain solid as a result of his administration’s bold decision to address the challenges that surrounded the system when he took office in 2019.

Makinde noted that he took the opportunity presented by the crisis faced by the institution to strengthen it and restore unity.

The governor, who stated this during a visit to the home of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, to condole with the family, said that there is no longer a question about the unity and strength of the Ibadan Chieftaincy System.
He appreciated the traditional institution and all Ibadan indigenes for their support and cooperation during the period when the change occurred.

He said, “I am here to condole with the family officially. Many people may not be aware of how close I was to the late Kabiyesi. When I came into government in 2019, I encountered a crisis in the Ibadan traditional institution, and I called everybody and said the crisis would be a temporary thing. The Sunday after that meeting, I met Kabiyesi in church at Aremo, and he said, ‘Governor, you stopped us from putting on our crowns, ‘ and I responded, saying, ‘It is for good.’

“I added that we would not shy away from facing our challenges; that we would sort it out and make the Ibadan traditional institution stronger than we met it.

“I am glad that not only did I return the crown to Baba, but he also got to the level of becoming Olubadan before he joined his ancestors. I am equally glad that we utilised that opportunity to strengthen the Ibadan traditional institution to bring unity back to it.

Today, there is no question about the unity and strength of that institution. I would like to use this opportunity to thank you for your cooperation, because, quite frankly, what we did was what they did in the past, and it elicited a crisis.

“I am bold to say that for the next 50 years, the Ibadan traditional institution will remain solid, because we are now united. There is nobody outside displaying any kind of rancour, and I am happy that we are able to achieve this during Baba’s reign.”

The governor stated that he would pay his last respects to Oba Olakulehin, emphasising that as a governor and a son of Aremo, he would be fully involved in the burial. In their separate responses, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who spoke on behalf of the Olubadan-in-Council, and the eldest son of the late Olubadan, Prince Sumbo Owolabi, who represented the family, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his support to the family during Baba’s lifetime and after his passing.

Oba Ajibola said Makinde’s era has been marked by notable achievements, particularly in his handling of the traditional institution.
He said: “I want to welcome our governor and to appreciate him for everything he has been doing. Your tenure has been marked by notable achievements, particularly in how you have handled matters related to the traditional institution.

“On behalf of the Olubadan-in-Council, I have been asked to greet you and to say that we are happy with you, and I am sure the late Olubadan would be happy with you as well. It is painful that Kabiyesi has passed away, but we have to appreciate you for standing by us and reforming Ibadan. When things were hot, you were there and you brought calm. We are thankful that you are here to also sympathise with us in his absence.”

Also speaking, Owolabi said: “I want to thank you for this visitation. We really appreciate it.

“We all know you have started well, and we pray that you will end well by the grace of God. You are doing a very wonderful job. I always tell people that you are doing well and we want you to continue to do excellently well. Baba has gone to rest, and we thank you for not leaving the family after the death of our king.”

Among the governor’s entourage were former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; commissioners, members of the House of Assembly, chairmen of local governments in Ibadanland, and other government officials of Ibadan origin.