Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presents staff of office to Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland
By Lukmon Ojerinde
The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has presented the staff of office to the new Oba of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Olakulehin on Friday, July 12, 2024. The governor at the occasion of the presentation said that the ascension of Oba Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland is a testament to the enduring and resilient spirit of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. Governor Makinde stated that the coronation of Oba Olakulehin has also put individuals who chose to focus on things that divide Ibadan in their place, as the 43rd Oba has now taken the crown to Ibadan North-East and Ona-Ara. Makinde also said this at the historic Mapo Hall Grounds, where he presented the staff and instrument of office to Oba Olakulehin, during an elaborate event organised by the state and attended by the crème de la crème of the Nigerian society. Speaking at the event, Makinde said, “I, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Sections 1 and 2 subsection 20 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Volume 1 Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria, hereby present the staff of office, ratifying the appointment of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. “This has again demonstrated that Ibadanland and the people of Ibadan can be resilient. Those who have been focusing on the things that divide us have now been put to shame.
“I want to greet the Kabiyesi and pray that God will grant you long life to reign for a long time on the throne.”
Earlier, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, congratulated Oba Olakulehin, saying that the celebration was that of the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchical system. Tinubu applauded Governor Makinde for sticking to the traditional norms in approving the appointment and installation of the new monarch. Tinubu 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 will 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 recognise 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.” In his speech, Governor of Ogun State and chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, congratulated the new Olubadan and the governor of Oyo State on what he described as the beginning of a new era.
