Culture News

All is now set at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the venue of the coronation of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Dr Moshood Olalekan Balogun.

Vice president Yemi Osinbajo, Former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar are among other eminent Nigerians present at the ceremony.

 Monarchs, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, traditional rulers within and outside Ibadan were already seated as well as other notable politicians.

 Radio Nigeria team of correspondents covering the event reports that the royal seat of the new Olubadan of Ibadan and that of Iyalode and other seats on the podium are in gold.

 Local hunters and men of Oyo State Security Network, otherwise called Amotekun were sighted displaying their skills through periodic gunshots.

 Radio Nigeria however reports that apart from the stampede that occurred in one of the main gates, Alhaji Lamidi Mukaila popularly known as Auxilliary and his men in red caps stormed the venue of the programme with a peaceful walk.

Our correspondents also report that there were conflicts among some thugs leading to severe injuries sustained in the process.

The Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde and the new Olubadan are being expected.

Apart from the media men, representatives of trade unions, religious leaders, some political office holders, men of the Nigeria police were on ground to ensure orderliness

Radio Nigeria reports that, despite the presence of heavily armed security personnel, the crowd situation remained uncontrollable as people struggle to enter the main bowl of the venue.

Security agents have been overwhelmed by the massive turnout.

As at the time of filling in this report, the coronation is yet to commence.

Rotimi Famakin /Morenike Esan

Lifestyle

Ibadan Festival holding mid-March and Ramadan Fast commencing in April will be given serious consideration in choosing the date for the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun. 

Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola stated this while briefing journalists after the maiden meeting of the Council held at the Alarere residence of the new Ibadan monarch.

He said the meeting which had all members of the Olubadan-in-Council in attendance, except the Osi Olubadan, High  Chief Rashidi Ladoja and Iyalode of Ibadanland, High Chief Theresa  Oyekanmi was to pay courtesy call on Oba Lekan Balogun and formally congratulate him on his elevation from the position of Otun to that of Olubadan.

High Chief Ajibola said the possible date of the inauguration of the new Olubadan was discussed with heavy consideration for Ibadan Week Festival holding mid-March and the Ramadan Fast commencing early April.

He said the new Olubadan has to be present at the annual Ibadan Week Festival, hence the need for the coronation before the programme. 

“Again, we are conscious of Ramadan Fast and would not want to put our guests under unnecessary pressure by holding the inauguration during the period. All these we considered at the meeting but could not make any categorical statement on the date of the coronation until we meet with the governor, Engr Seyi Makinde”, the High Chief added.

It was at the meeting, according to High Chief Ajibola that it was resolved that courtesy and thank you visit be made to Governor Seyi Makinde. 

“We all visited the governor and despite the fact that we didn’t meet him, we were well received by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun who promised to convey our message to him”, he said.

Ahead of the inauguration of the new Olubadan, High Chief Ajibola said the Council took note of the necessary promotion and reconstitution of the Olubadan-in-Council occasioned by the elevation of Otun to the position of Olubadan. 

He said the Council approved the upward movement of Osi Olubadan, 

High Chief Rashidi Ladoja

 to Otun Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, High Chief Eddy Oyewole  to Osi-Olubadan, and  High Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi from Ekerin Olubadan to Ashipa Olubadan.

Others are High Chief Hamidu Ajibade from Ekarun Olubadan to Ekerin Olubadan and the new member that will join the Council is Senior Chief Adebayo Akande from Maye Olubadan to Ekarun Olubadan.

On the absence of two of the Council members, High Chief Ajibola  explained that High Chief Theresa  Oyekanmi was known by all of them to be outside Nigeria while High  Chief Rasidi  Ladoja sought the Council’s permission to honour a medical appointment that had been fixed earlier.

The new Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun presided over the meeting.

Ridwan Fasasi