Olubadan Coronation: Tinubu, South West Govs, Sultan, Others Grace Ceremony

Monarchy

Olubadan Coronation: Tinubu, South West Govs, Sultan, Others Grace Ceremony

Reported by Ayooluwa Afolabi

Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin has ascended to the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, in a coronation ceremony graced by notable dignitaries including President Tinubu, Southwest Governors, the Sultan of Sokoto, amongst others.

The coronation took place at the Labosinde compound, the family whose right is to crown any Olubadan of Ibadanland.

On Friday, July 12, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State officially presented the staff of office and instrument of office upon the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin at Mapo Hall in Ibadan.

In his address, President Bola Tinubu felicitated the new Olubadan and the entire people of Ibadanland for the successful enthronement of their new monarch.

According to BusinessDay, President Tinubu was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, in his remarks read by Adelabu, he congratulated Oba Olakulehin, stating that beyond the glamour,

the event heralded prestige and enduring tradition and resilience as a people and that the Ibadan traditional system of non-controversial kingship model is an administration in the whole of Nigeria.

He lauded Governor Makinde for sticking to the traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of the new monarch.

He 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 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 recognize 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, Governor Dapo Abiodun, the chairman, of the Southern Governors Forum and governor of Ogun state, in his address, described Oba Olakulehin’s enthronement as the dawn of a new era, saying that the event marked a significant milestone in its position among the entire Yorubaland while expressing optimism in more economically prosperous Ibadanland.

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.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Ademola Ojo, who gave the vote of thanks, equally appreciated Governor Makinde for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to the preservation and promotion of Ibadan’s cultural heritage.

He said: “Governor Makinde’s vision and support have been instrumental in making this historic coronation ceremony a reality.”

Oba Olakulehin in his acceptance speech, thanked Governor Makinde for his unrelenting support to the traditional institution while also expressing 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, was also in attendance among other dignitaries.