*presents staff of office.
By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Governor Seyi Makinde on Friday,
The governor gave the charge in Ibadan at the official presentation of staff of office to Oba Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland held at Ojaba area of Ibadan.
Governor Makinde pointed out thatif at any point an amendment becomes necessary to the traditional system, such should be self-proposed by the Olubadan-in-Council and not be left to the whims of politicians.
“I want to restate that even though we politicians will come and go, sometimes, to satisfy our political whims, we may make decisions that do not protect our traditional systems.This is why the custodians of our culture must always take a stand against us tinkering with age-old traditional systems”, he said .
“Our elders, the members of the various councils, the chiefs, our traditional fathers, they are the gatekeepers and they must remain steadfast in their roles. “Remember, no politician can destroy any system without the cooperation of some members of these systems”.
“Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to ask that Kabiyesi and the Olubadan-in-Council work to ensure that the laws having to do with the ascension to the throne of Olubadan remain sacrosanct.The Olubadan-in-Council should remain self-regulated without any external interference from the political class.”
Rejoicing with the new Olubadan as well as sons and daughters of Ibadanland, the governor said, ” we rejoice with the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, both at home and in the diaspora. The massive crowd gathered here today, speaks to the importance of this occasion.’
“This is an age-old tradition that we must continue to uphold. Yes, since the first coronation ceremony was held in the 1850s, we have maintained in the best way possible, given various circumstances, one of the best succession lines in Yoruba history.
“So, we rejoice that today, we crown a new Olubadan. Our gathering here today is a victory for the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, and restoration of our traditional systems. I have always taken a stand for the integrity of our traditional systems, and so I am especially delighted that today, Friday, March 11, 2022, the sanctity of this century-old dynasty has been restored.”
Speaking further, the governor stated that the new Olubadan of Ibadanland has distinguished himself as an excellent professional and has contributed and will continue to contribute to the development of Ibadanland and Oyo State at large, having served both in private and public service.
Governor Makinde while wishing Oba Balogun a long, peaceful and successful reign, prayed that the land of Ibadan will experience unequalled development, and tranquility during Kabiyesi’s reign, saying, he was assured that Oba Balogun is in a good position to defend the sanctity and tradition of Ibadan people and move Ibadanland forward.
The coronation ceremony was attended by the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and former Vice President Atiku Abubarkar Gov Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti state, Gov Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state, Deputy Governor of Osun state , Benedict Alabi and Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State.
Others included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan; and Ambassador of Republic of China to Nigeria, Cui Jiauchun.
Also at the coronation ceremony are Oba Yusuf Adeleye, the Olubaka of Okaland in Ondo State; Oluwo of Iwoland; the Ikere of Saki, Aseyin of Iseyin, former Governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan, Chief Rasidi Ladoja and a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro were also present.
