Controversy surrounding the enthronement of the new Olubadan of Ibadan was laid to rest, yesterday, as Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State presented the staff of office to Oba Saliu Adetunji, 87, as the 41st Olubadan of the ancient city.
Before the presentation of certificate and staff of office to the newly-crowned monarch, Ajimobi hinted that the new king went through 23 steps before his enthronement as Olubadan adding that he had been on the traditional line for the past 39 years.
Ajimobi said: “It may interest you all to know that the Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy is recognized under Part 2 of the Chiefs Law OYSLN 2000, and that the 1957 Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration accorded recognition to only two major chieftaincy lines that is, the Otun Olubadan and Balogun lines.
The ascension to the stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland is strictly rotational between these two chieftaincy lines.
The recognized kingmakers of the Olubadan Chieftaincy that is, the Olubadan-in-Council having met in accordance with the Chieftaincy Declaration, and having satisfied all the conditions precedent, particularly the provisions that the line whose turn it is to present a candidate shall nominate a candidate” who shall not be found to be disqualified under the provision of Section 10(2) of the Chiefs Law 1957 (now Section 14(2) of the Chiefs Law 2000).” He noted that lunatic or somebody with mental challenges cannot be crowned as king.
Ajimobi said further, “there is the need to inform us all that under the above quoted portion of the law, “No person shall be qualified to be a candidate for a recognized chieftaincy who suffers from serious physical infirmity”.
The colourful ceremony was organised with pomp and ceremony at Mapo Hall, Ibadan as numerous dignitaries across the country were in attendance.
The crowd at the ceremony was unprecedented thereby giving security agents hectic time controlling it.
Among those whot attended the epoch-making event include the host Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and wife, Florence; Governors of Ogun, Osun, Lagos, Ekiti and Imo states – Senator Ibikunle Amosun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Ayodele Fayose and Chief Rochas Okorocha respectively.
Others included Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, National leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC; Minister of Communications, Mr. Adebayo Shittu; former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Governors of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala , Senator Rashidi Ladoja and Dr. Omololu Olunloyo; former Governor of Jigawa State, Mr Saminu Turaki; Senator representing Oyo South, Soji Akanbi; Chief Kola Daisi; Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Abel Idowu Olayinka; former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin; member representing Oorelope/Olorunsogo Constituency, Mr Bosun Oladele; and member of the House of Representatives, Mr. Dapo Lam-Adesina among others. The traditional rulers at the ceremony were Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Eniitan Ogunwusi; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedokun Aremu Gbadebo; Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Frederick Obateru Eniti Olorunda Akinruntan; Emir of Ilorin, Ibrahim Sulu Gambari and Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Mukhtar Abimbola among others.
Oba Saliu Adetunji first went to the Afobaje Labosinde compound, Oja’ba, Ibadan, where the final traditional rites were performed at about 9.50am in the full glare of several people including his wives, children and some chiefs.
The monarch who arrived the Labosinde compound in a wine colour Peugeot 307 marked KJA 701 DZ was received at the entrance of the palace by the representatives of Afobaje family. He was later crowned at about 9:53am after which he went for other rites.
The Oluwo Afobaje Labosinde of Ibadanland, Alhaji Wahab Idowu Popoola Mosadogun, noted that his father installed the new king when he became Mogaji in 1976.
He added that the rite was to initiate new Olubadan into the royal priesthood. Rite of choosing calabash Three calabashes were presented to him and he opened the one that contained money and honey, which signifies that his reign would be enjoyable and bring good fortune to the people.
After this, the High Chiefs entered and paid homage to the King.
According to the custom, the new monarch prostrated, for the last time in public, before everybody and the High Chiefs. At 11:20am, he went to Ose-meji Shrine where he performed the last rite after which he moved to the waiting crowd at Mapo Hall.
President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the new Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso 1 on his coronation.
A statement by Ppresidential Spokesman, Mr. Femi Adesina, yesterday, stated that the president enjoined the new traditional ruler to follow the footsteps of his predecessors.
The president also assured Oba Adetunji of the Federal Government support and cooperation as he contribute to the well-being of the country especially peace of Oyo State. He prayed that ‘’Almighty God will grant Oba Adetunji long life, good health and the wisdom he needs for a successfully reign.”
While speaking with newsmen, Governor Fayose said: “We are happy to be here today to felicitate with the Oyo State Governor, the new Olubadan and the entire Ibadan people. Ibadan is very significant to our history and existence as a Yoruba nation.
We brought goodwill message from the entire people of Ekiti State. Advising the new monarch, he said,”Ibadan is a major player in the committee of communities in Yoruba land. The Olubadan should endeavour to bring all of us together.
He is not for Ibadan alone. For instance, I was born in Ibadan, attended a primary school in Ibadan, grew up in Ibadan, I left Ibadan to contest as governor in Ekiti. His assignment is beyond Ibadan, it is for the Yoruba land and Nigeria in general.
He should collaborate with other Obas to unite the Yoruba nation, restore the dignity of Yoruba. I pray that God help him”.
(Vanguard)
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