Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has mandated the newly coronated Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun (Alli Okunmade II), to ensure that the ancient traditional system of Ibadanland is maintained, stressing that Olubadan-in-Council should never allow the political class to interfere in the traditional system.
Makinde, who stated this today, shortly after his presentation of staff of office to Oba Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, elatedly pointed out that the sanctity of Ibadan traditional system has been restored after its alteration by the immediate past governor, late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
The alteration in form of the review of Ibadan traditional system, which gave birth to the elevation of some members of Olubadan-in-Council and Baales to the status of monarch led to crisis among the Olubadan-in-Council, which led to a prolong legal battle that almost frustrated the installation of the new Olubadan.
Makinde, who never minced words in declaring that the traditional system, which has been in operation since 1850 should be jealously guided and maintained explained that it guarantee a rancorous free Olubadan ascension, which has made Ibadan unique.
Referring to the legal battle that characterised the ascension of Oba Lekan Balogun to his forefathers’ throne, Makinde stated, “Two month ago, with the challenge we faced, we will never think that we will coronate a new Olubadan today but because we believe in God, we are here for the coronation of a new Olubadan. We rejoice our traditional system has been restored. The sanctity of our tradition has been restored.”
The Governor urged the Olubadan-in-Council to deny the political class the opportunity to bastardise the tradition adding, “No politician can destroy any system without the cooperation of some people in the system. Work to ensure that the law to ascension remains sacrosanct.”
Congratulating the new monarch, the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun said, “Let me seize this opportunity to place on record that the Ibadan traditional system is not only unique in Oyo State and Yorubaland. It is also a system that deserves to be closely studied, if not emulated among the contemporary monarchical systems in Africa. This is a system that gives no room for bitterness of any sort or acrimony along the succession line. Through this system, there is a practical demonstration of the saying-only God crowns the king, as everyone navigates the long unwinding chain of the hierarchy with total submission to the will of the Almighty.”
In his speech, Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, noted that the new Olubadan, with his intimidating curiculum vitae, has what it takes to lead Ibadan successfully.
Osibanjo pointed out that Ibadan city is one of the greatest political centres in Nigeria, reminding the world that the motion for the nation’s independence was first moved in the historic city.
Earlier speaking, Oba Balogun promised, “I will not let Ibadan down. I will not let Nigeria down. Ibadan is the capital of Africa”.
In attendance are: former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakah Atiku, Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Kano State Governor, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, former governor of Oyo State, Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja; former of Lagos Governor, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, represented by Femi Pedro; Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa and Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi, National Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyorchia Ayu and legislators at all levels.
Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, among other eminent monarchs, and the Ààrẹ Ọ̀nà Kakanfò of Yorùbáland, Otunba Gani Adams.
