Makinde Eulogises Late Olubadan, Set To Announce Successor Monday

Oyo State governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde on Saturday said that the new Olubadan of Ibadanland would be announced afterall on Monday, while admitting receiving the nomination of the next Olubadan from the kingmakers.

The governor gave the hints at a reception organized by the state government in honour of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji on Saturday at the expansive main bowl of the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.

The late Oba Adetunji joined his ancestors on Sunday January 2 at the age of 93 at the University College Hospital in Ibadan.

Hundreds of sons and daughters of Ibadanland, including former governor Rashidi Ladoja, who is also the Osi Olubadan, and his wife, Mutiat, members of the state Executive Council, members of the state House of Assembly, led by the Speaker, Hon. Debo Ogundoyin, the National Deputy Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, Justice O.M. Olagunju, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdul Ganiu Agbotomokekere, the President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Femi Adeaga, and the President of Ibadan Progressive Union, Engr. Yinka Ali.

Others in attendance were the Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by Hon. Taiwo Emmanuel, former Prelate of Methodist, Bishop Femi Makinde, traditional rulers, Chief of Staff to governor Makinde, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, Senator Kola Balogun, and the Secretary to the Oyo state Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubanwo Adeosun.

The governor, in his address expressed gratitude for the life of the late traditional ruler who he described as a role model.

On the controversy surrounding the Olubadan throne, Governor Makinde, while stating that Ibadan chieftaincy ascendancy remains the best in the world, saying that his decision to align with the late Olubadan was as a result of his love for what is right .

”I am happy to say that the crisis has been resolved and I will also say that I have received the nomination of the next Olubadan from the Olubadan-In-Council and by Monday I will announce the next Olubadan of Ibadanland,” the governor said.

In his tributes, the President of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Femi Adeaga eulogised the late monarch for his wisdom, and humble disposition which he said, attracted commerce, growth and progress to Ibadanland.

Also, the President of Ibadan Progressive Union, Engr Yinka Ali said that the entire Ibadan indigenes would forever remained grateful for the reign of the late Oba Adetunji, adding that the Indigenes of Ibadanland, and the Oyo State government chose to celebrate the late monarch for his prowess, humility and sagacity.

-Kunle Bakare.