Ibadan, the Oyo State capital stood still for several hours on Friday as new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso I, was installed in grand style.
President Buhari joined the indigenes of Ibadan, the family of the new Olubadan, the government and people of Oyo State in celebrating Oba Adetunji’s ascension to the ancient throne of his forefathers.
People from different parts of the country stormed the popular Mapo Hall arcade in Ibadan for the coronation. The large crowd led to traffic logjam in Ibadan metropolis.
In his address before he presented instrument and staff of office to Oba Adetunji, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, declared that his administration would restructure the chieftaincy system in the state.
His words: “The present administration under my leadership is set to review the chieftaincy declaration of some titles and as the Chiefs Law Cap 28 Volume 1 OYSLN 2000 is meant to enhance the dignity and respect of our royal fathers. We are set to be a model to others and to this end, we will carry out a complete overhaul of the institution of Chieftaincy in this State with a view to ensuring speedy conclusion of appointments to chieftaincy titles based on the true custom of our people.
“We will also review the status of Obas and Chiefs with a view to also insulating them from partisan politics, moreso that they are expected to be the fathers of all.”
The new Olubadan, in his speech thanked the dignitaries that honoured him, stating that the creation of Ibadan State was one of his priorities, adding that only Ibadan had not become a state among all the regional capitals of the old regions.
“God sparing my life, I will work with the government and the people of Ibadan and our friends to ensure that Ibadan State, which we truly deserve, is made possible.
“Much is still being expected on the Ibadan cargo terminal. However, a truly international airport will complement the progress we are currently experiencing and usher in rapid development of our state.
“Lastly, our children do not speak their mother tongue fluently, if at all. We all know that an English man will not drop his language to speak our own mother tongue. I would be delighted to see our children speaking their mother tongue freely in future,” he said.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, Buhari urged Oba Adetunji to follow in the worthy and commendable footsteps of his predecessors by working diligently for peace and development in Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria.
“The president calls on Oba Adetunji to also do his utmost best, in his new role as the chief custodian of the traditions of his people, to preserve and propagate the admirable culture and customs of Ibadan.
“Buhari assures the new Olubadan of the full support and cooperation of the Federal Government as he strives to lead his people forward and contribute meaningfully to the development of his domain, Oyo State and the nation.”
The Fuji exponent, Wasiu Ayinde K1 led other musician to entertain people on the occasion.
Dignitaries that stormed Ibadan for the ceremony included the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Governors Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode of Lagos State, Mr. Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State, and Chief Rochas Okorocha of Imo State.
Former governors in attendance comprised– Dr. Omololu Olunloyo of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State, Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State and Senator Rashidi Ladoja Oyo State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba of Ogun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola of Osun State.
The list of royal fathers at the ceremony included the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo; and the Emir of Ilorin in Kwara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari.
Other royal fathers also comprised the Ayangbunre of Ikorodu in Lagos, Eleruwa of Eruwa, Onikoyi of Ikoyi-Ile, Onido of Ido, Olugbo of Ugboland, Are-Ago of Ogbomosoland, Oluwo of Iwoland, and Olu Itori of Egbaland.
Also, Minister of Communication, Mr. Adebayo Shittu; Managing Director of First Bank Nigeria Plc, Dr. Sola Adeduntan; Iyaloja-General, Mrs. Folashade Ojo; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Sheik Daud Akinola Makanjuola; Presiding Bishop of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Bishop Wale Oke; Iyalode of Ibadanland, Alhaja Aminat Abiodun and Sat Guru Maraji among others.
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