The ancient city of Ibadan was locked down as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji (Aje Ogungunniso 1) was installed by the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, at the historic Mapo mpHall arcade, Ibadan, on Friday.
The new Olubadan, who emerged from the Balogun line was the next High Chief among the Olubadan-in-council in seniority to the late Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I and was the natural successor to the deceased monarch.
In his address, the governor said that the choice of Oba Adetunji was in accordance to the unique traditional selection process, adding that he had also fulfilled legal conditions attached to the ascension to the throne.
Ajimobi said, “Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji has been chosen because he has satisfied all the processes expected of a contender to the stool and found capable according to the Oyo State’s Chief’s law cap 28.
“The law states that whoever will ascend the Olubadan throne must not be found to be physically invalid, a lunatic or of unsound mind. Kabiyesi has passed these encumbrances and has been chosen by the Olubadan-in-council to become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
The governor described the new monarch as a successful business icon that started humbly and later became the owner of record labels that produced and marketed many renowned artists like the late Dauda Epo Akara; fuji maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, among others.
He said any occupant of Olubadan stool must be above board in his dealings with his subjects because the jurisdiction of the king spanned over eleven local government areas in and around the metropolitan city.
Ajimobi intimated the gathering about the preparedness of his administration to review the Chief’s Law in order to ensure speedy conclusion of the appointment of future Olubadan and the status of other chiefs.
He said, “The government will soon start the review of the traditional Chief’s Law, among other laws, to ease the process of selecting future Olubadan and ensure speedy conclusion of appointment to the office.”
He relayed the laid down processes and elevations a would-be Olubadan is expected to go through before becoming the king from the Balogun line as 23, which, he said, the newly crowned king had fulfilled before being selected by the Olubadan-in-council.
In his maiden address to the people, the new Olubadan appreciated dignitaries and citizens of Ibadan that made the occasion unique, especially Ajimobi and other governors that attended the event, Olubadan-in-council, traditional rulers, and other well-wishers.
He enjoined the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency create the Ibadan State and upgrade the status of the Ibadan airport to an International standard.
Olubadan said, “I appreciate you all for according me this honour as represented by this historic coronation ceremony, especially the Oyo State Government and my Chiefs that have been working around the clock for the success of this day.
“I thank the Sultan of Sokoto (Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar) and other eminent kings for coming and wish them all a safe trip back home. My special request goes to Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency work for the creation of Ibadan State, and to do everything possible to upgrade Ibadan Airport to an International standard.”
Dignitaries from all walks of life attended the epoch-making ceremony as the event was witnessed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Oba of Lagos; Alake of Egbaland, Adedotun Gbadebo; Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Zulu Gambari; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Akanbi; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Sotobi; among other royal fathers.
The occasion was also attended by many State Governors: Lagos (Akinwumi Ambode); Ogun (Ibikunle Amosun); Osun (Rauf Aregbesola); Ekiti (Ayodele Fayose); Imo (Rochas Okorocha); former Governors of Oyo, Osun and Ogun, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Aremo Segun Osoba respectively, All Progressives Congress National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as well as other eminent personalities from all walks of life.
