Creation of Ibadan State ‘ll be my first priority~Olubadan designate
By; Bayo Akamo, Ibadan.
The Balogun of Ibadanland and the Olubadan designate, High Chief Saliu Akanmu Adetunji has disclosed that his first agenda would be to ensure the speedy creation of age-long Ibadan state.
Chief Adetunji said this at his Popoyemoja palace while receiving leaders of the Ibadan Elders Forum, Oluyole Club of Lagos, Onisese Osemeji Ibadan, Old Students of Ibadan Grammar School, Fuji Musicians Association of Nigeria (FUMAN), Baale Elewura and others during a courtesy visit on him.
The Olubadan designate declared that there will be no going back in his efforts at realizing the clamour for the creation of Ibadan state that started in 1976.
“The creation of Ibadan state is my first priority, we have gone to Abuja about three times, the person who was there before promised, we will continue to fight for it, and I believe it will be achieved during my tenure. I will be happy when Ibadan State is created for the development of Ibadanland” he said.
High Chief Adetunji pointed out that he was persuaded by Late High Chiefs Omiyale, Lamidi Adedibu and other Ibadan elders to succumb to the pressure to become Mogaji of his family and after which he became Jagun Balogun before passing through 23 steps to become the Olubadan designate, adding that he has being prosperous in his music promotion business in Lagos and other cities both home and abroad since 1976 when he became the Mogaji .
“I thank God, it is God that makes one to become Olubadan, because, it is not everybody that climb the ladder that becomes Olubadan. People like late Omiyale, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu persuaded me to come to Ibadan to come to the Olubadan line”.
Chairman of Ibadan Elders Forum, Ambassador Olusola Saanu while promising the Olubadn designate total support of the members of the Forum, said the Forum formed ahead of the 2011 elections was formed to promote unity, peace and tranquility among the sons and daughters of the ancient city.
Former Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo University, (OAU), Professor Niyi Osuntokun while speaking on behalf of the Oluyole Club, Lagos, said the visit was a way of showing the commitment of the association for the Olubadan designate.
Speaking on the visitation, spokesperson of the Onisese Osemeji, Baale Omikunle prayed for the successful tenure of the Olubadan designate while the Awise Ibadan, Chief Akinade Ayoade prayed for the monarch and Olubadan designate for a successful tenure.
He then pledged the support of the traditional religion worshipers for the monarch to be when needed.
