Oyo State Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday announced that the ascension of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland exemplifies the enduring and resilient spirit of Ibadan.
The governor remarked that Oba Olakulehin’s coronation has silenced those who emphasize divisions within Ibadan, noting that the new Olubadan has extended the crown’s reach to Ibadan North-East and Ona-Ara.
Makinde made these statements at the historic Mapo Hall Grounds during an elaborate event organized by the state, where he presented the staff and instrument of office to Oba Olakulehin.
The event was attended by prominent figures from across Nigeria.
Makinde stated, “I, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Sections 1 and 2 subsection 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. 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.”
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, also congratulated Oba Olakulehin.
He praised Governor Makinde for adhering to traditional protocols in the approval and installation of the new monarch.
Tinubu said, “It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this coronation and the presentation of the staff of office to Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. I will 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.”
Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State and chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, congratulated both the new Olubadan and Governor Makinde, describing the event as the dawn of a new era.
In her welcome address, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof Olanike Adeyemo, acknowledged that the ceremony honored the rich cultural legacy of Ibadan, which has thrived for centuries. She commended Governor Makinde for his dedication to preserving Oyo State’s cultural heritage.
The event featured notable attendees, including the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); former Military Administrator of old Oyo and Ogun states, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); and former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.
Governors of Osun, Ondo, and Lagos states were represented by their deputies or other officials, and other distinguished guests included Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, represented by the Deputy Speaker.
