•Gov Seyi Makinde, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin and Gov Dapo Abiodun, Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar and Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi in Ibadan on Friday.
Amid glamour and display of rich tradition and cultural heritage of the Ibadan people, Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin has been crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Olakulehin succeeds the 42nd Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade11, who joined his ancestors, March 15, 2024.
Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin was presented with the staff and instrument of office by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, an engineer.
Former Governor Rashidi Ladoja; Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, who represented President Bola Tinubu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, top monarchs and traditional rulers were among eminent Nigerians who joined Makinde to grace the coronation ceremony held at the hilly Mapo area of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The Governor and Abiodun arrived the venue about 2pm to the awaiting and excited cheering crowd as they welcome guests and visitors warmly.
The monarch, who apparently emerged from seclusion arrived at the venue earlier and was welcome by the traditional drummers, who thumped out beats of praises to him just as they also chorused his sobriquet, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1.
Oba Olakulehin was brought in a black jeep and waited in the car until the arrival of the governor before they both entered the grand stage.
Hours earlier, at the Labosinde compound, the family whose right is to crown any Olubadan of Ibadanland, performed the rite.
Presenting the Staff of Office and the Instrument of Office to him as the 43rd Olubadan at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, Governor Seyi Makinde said: “By the power conferred upon me as the Governor by sub-sections (1) and (2) of Section 20 of the Chiefs Law Cap 28 Vol.1 Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, I hereby present the Instrument/Staff of Office, which symbolises your authority as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.”
In his goodwill message, President Bola Tinubu praised the resilience and enduring tradition of the Ibadan monarchy at the coronation and presentation of the staff of the office to Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. on
“It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this historic occasion, the coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of this ancient city of Ibadan.
“I would like to extend my warm congratulations to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Olakulehin on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors.
“Oba Olakulehin’s journey to the throne is a truly remarkable story. He became the Mogaji of the family in 1983 during the reign of Olubadan Asanike and began his journey to this revered throne of Olubadan as the Jagun Balogun in 1986. It took him 38 years and many steps before fate thrust him to the zenith of the ladder.
“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 Kabiyesi 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 and all residents with fairness, justice, and compassion.
“As the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am proud to be part of this celebration, I am confident that Your Majesty will continue to uphold the tradition and values that have made Ibadan a symbol of resilience and progress.
“As we look to the future, we acknowledge that there are challenges ahead. But I am convinced that with Your Majesty’s leadership and the cooperation of all chiefs, sons and daughters of Ibadan and the residents, we can overcome these challenges and together build a brighter future for our city and our nation.
“Therefore, I take this opportunity to pray for Your Majesty’s long tenure on the throne. May God grant you wisdom to make decisions that benefit all the people of Ibadan City and Nigeria as a whole. May you enjoy good health and strength to discharge your duties with dignity and integrity.
“I also take this moment to remind us that our collective prosperity is tied to our ability to work together in harmony. As we celebrate this coronation, let us not forget the importance of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect. Let us continue to strive for peace and understanding among ourselves so that our great city may continue to blossom.
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,” the President said
