Oba Saliu Adetunji, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan land, was on Friday presented with the instrument and staff of office by the Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
The ceremony was witnessed by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Sultan of Sokoto, Abubakar Saad and other traditional leaders.
In his first official speech, the new Olubadan said he would ensure that the peace of the city was sustained, stating also that he would step up the campaign for the actualisation of Ibadan State and an international airport in the city.
The new Olubadan said, “Of all the regional capitals of the old regions, the capital of the Western Region has yet to have a state. God sparing my life, I will work with the government and the people of Ibadan and our friends to ensure that Ibadan State, which we truly deserve, is made possible.
“Much is still expected on the Ibadan cargo terminal. However, a truly international airport will complement the progress we are currently experiencing and usher in rapid development of our state.”
The event was also attended by the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari; Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu; Ayangburen of Ikorodu, Oba Adewale Shotobi; Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode; Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State; Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State; Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State and Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun State; the All Progressives Congress national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; and other traditional leaders.
Former state governors who attended include Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo State and Saminu Turaki of Jigawa State. There were elders of Ibadan land such as Dr. Lekan Are and others.
After the booming of 29 gunshots at the Oke’badan shrine, a short non-denominational service at the Olubadan Palace in Popoyemoja area of Ibadan, and the Olubadan’s last traditional homage to the people of the land, the new Olubadan was formally introduced into the Mapo Hall arcade at 12.11pm to the admiration of Ibadan people who trooped to the venue.
Before the presentation of the staff of office to Oba Adetunji, Ajimobi said his choice satisfied all legal provisions, while also announcing that the present government in the state would carry out complete overhaul of the institution of chieftaincy in the city with a view to ensuring speedy completion of appointment to chieftaincy titles. He also clarified that only the Balogun and Otun Olubadan had the right to present candidate for the Olubadan throne.
In his speech, Ajimobi said the choice of Oba Adetunji from the Balogun chieftaincy line and as the highest ranking chief in that line was customary, traditional and legal. He said the Olubadan-in-Council, being the kingmakers, appointed and presented Adetunji as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan land.
“This is under section 20 sub-section 01 OYS LN 2000. The uniqueness of Olubadan chieftaincy is such that the new Olubadan had climbed 23 steps from the Balogun line, starting from Jagun over a period of 38 years.
“Oba Adetunji is a business tycoon and foremost indigenous music recording and marketing guru. He founded Omo Aje Sound Studio, Adetunji Records and Babalaje Records. His companies discovered many talents and nurtured them to stardom; among them is the foremost Juju musician, Wasiu Ayinde.”
While announcing that the state government was taking steps to review chieftaincy system of Ibadan land, Ajimobi described the throne of Olubadan as the symbol of peace and unity in Ibadan land.
“Olubadan must remember always that he stands at the head of an enlightened and articulate community, and that he is faced with the task of building a new society in a celebrated pedestal with a distinguished predecessor.
“The present administration under my own leadership is set to review the chieftaincy declaration and some titles. We are set to be a model to others and to this end; we will carry out a complete overhaul of the institution of chieftaincy in the city with a view to ensuring speedy completion of appointment to chieftaincy titles. We will also review the status of Obas and chiefs in order to separate it from partisan politics, more so that they are expected to be the father of all,” said the state governor.
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