Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin was on Friday crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland in a ceremony that attracted the crème de la crème of Nigerian society.
The ceremony preceded the seclusion, for some days, of the now-crowned monarch. He succeeds the 42nd King Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun who died on 14 March 2024 at 81.
Governor Seyi Makinde later presented a staff of office to the Olubadan at the Mapo Halls Grounds in the Oyo State capital.
‘Resilient’ People
He said Olakulehin’s ascension is a testament to Ibadan’s enduring and resilient spirit.
“I, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Sections 1 and 2, Subsections 20 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Volume 1 Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria, hereby present the staff of office, ratifying the appointment of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland,” the governor said at the elaborate event.
“This has again demonstrated that Ibadanland and the people of Ibadan can be resilient. Those who have been focusing on the things that divide us have now been put to shame. I want to greet the Kabiyesi and pray that God will grant you long life to reign for a long time on the throne.”
The governor noted that the coronation of Oba Olakulehin has also put individuals who chose to focus on things that divide Ibadan in their place as Oba Olakulehin has now taken the crown to Ibadan North-East and Ona-Ara.
‘A Truly Remarkable Story’
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, congratulated Oba Olakulehin and said that the celebration was that of the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchical system.
He lauded Governor Makinde for sticking to the traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of the new monarch.
“It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this coronation and the presentation of the staff of the office to Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. I would like to extend my congratulations to the monarch on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. This is a truly remarkable story. This ceremony heralds another epoch in the history of this highly regarded traditional institution in Yorubaland, indeed in Nigeria and beyond.
“What we are celebrating today is not just the ascension of Oba Olakulehin but the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchy. The nation remains grateful for this abiding legacy of the Olubadan dynasty, which has been a beacon of stability with its unique succession route to the throne, a tradition established since 1851.
“The whole country can learn from this rancour-free Ibadan kingship model.
“We must recognise the immense responsibility that comes with this sacred office, and we pray that God will grant Your Majesty wisdom, guidance, and strength to lead the Ibadan people. In conclusion, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for sticking to the laid down traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of His Royal Majesty.”
Also speaking, the Governor of Ogun State and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum Dapo Abiodun congratulated the new Olubadan and the governor of Oyo State on what he described as the beginning of a new era.
Delivering the welcome address earlier, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Olanike Adeyemo acknowledged that beyond the coronation ceremony, the event was in honour of the rich Ibadan cultural legacy that has thrived for centuries.
She applauded Governor Makinde for his commitment to the promotion of the rich cultural heritage of Oyo State.
‘Instrumental’
Giving the vote of thanks, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Ademola Ojo equally appreciated Governor Makinde for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to the preservation and promotion of Ibadan’s cultural heritage.
“Governor Makinde’s vision and support have been instrumental in making this historic coronation ceremony a reality,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olakulehin thanked Governor Makinde for his unrelenting support of the traditional institution. He also expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the coronation ceremony.
The event had in attendance the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); former Military Administrator, old Oyo and Ogun states, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); and former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.
Governor of Osun State Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, represented by the Deputy Governor, Olaide Adelami (mni); Governor of Lagos State, Babajide SanwoOlu represented by the Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde, were also in attendance among other dignitaries.
