Culture

42nd Olubadan’s coronation will be a masterpiece – Oyo SSG

By Web News 981

All is set for the coronation of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun (Alli Okunmade 11), billed for Mapo Hall, Ibadan on Friday, 11th March 2022.

The Chairman of the Olubadan Coronation Committee, who is also the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, made this public in Ibadan saying that the Government of Oyo State was ready to host a grand event befitting of the status of the revered monarch.

The SSG felicitated his Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Olalekan Balogun, his immediate family, the Olubadan-in-Council and the entire sons and daughters of Ibadanland, both home and in the Diaspora, on the dawn of a new era, urging all to pray for a successful tenure.

She said: “The Olubadan Coronation Committee, on behalf of His Excellency, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde wishes to alert the residents of Ibadan, the good people of Oyo State and our well-wishers across the globe of the coronation of our revered monarch, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Friday, March 11, 2022.” 

“Arrangements have been put in place for this momentous occasion as we express the determination of Governor Makinde and the Executive Council of Oyo State to stage an event befitting of the status of His Imperial Majesty and Ibadanland.”

“In line with the directives of His Excellency, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, the Coronation Committee has taken necessary steps to make the coronation of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Moshood Olalekan Ishola Balogun (Alli Okunmade 11), a colourful event and a masterpiece.”

“While we will advise motorists and everyone attending to adhere strictly to the traffic advisory already made public by relevant government agencies, we wish our new monarch a tenure blessed with goodness, peace and unprecedented development.”

Iyabo Adebisi

Culture

Age-Long Olubadan Succession Plan Remains Sacrosanct – Olubadan-in-Council

By Web News 1064

Following the demise of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, members of the Olubadan-in-Council have condoled with the Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, people of Ibadanland and family members of the late monarch.

Rising from a two-hour closed-door meeting held at the Alarere residence of Otun Olubadan and the would-be successor to the throne, Senator Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council described the deceased leader of the council as an indefatigable ruler whose reign would be difficult to forget.

While praying for the repose of the soul of the departed king, the council urged the bereaved family of the deceased to remain joyous and happy for the legacies of good reign left behind by their patriarch.

The council reiterated that the historical and traditional succession plan to the throne of Olubadan remains sacrosanct, the elevation conferred on all the members of the Olubadan-in-Council as Royal Majesties notwithstanding.

Members of the council were elevated to the Royal Majesties status by the previous administration in the state led by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi and it became contentious and litigious.

Olubadan-in-Council said the elevation granted the members, who also serve as kingmakers had not in any way altered the age-long and enviable traditional succession plan to the Olubadan throne in Ibadanland.

According to the Council, “there should be no any controversy as to who becomes the next Olubadan amongst us as the previous elevation that made us Royal Majesties did not in any way affect our respective offices in the Olubadan-in-Council and would not preclude any of us to mount the Olubadan throne whenever it is the person’s turn.

“We are the kingmakers and we will do the needful at the appropriate time. For now, we are still all in the mourning mood of our departed father and revered leader in the Council and we just want to assure the generality of our people both home and in the diaspora that there’s no cause for alarm”, the Council added.

Iyabo Adebisi

Lifestyle

Oba Adetunji left a vacuum seriously difficult to fill – Oyo SWAN

By Web News 963

Members of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria, SWAN, Oyo State chapter have expressed shock at the journey of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1 to his ancestors. 

In a statement by Chairman, Oyo SWAN, Olaolu Fawole, the sports journalists described the journey of the royal father to his ancestors as very painful.

The association notes that the royal father would be greatly missed for his contributions to the development of the ancient city of Ibadan and Oyo state as a whole, particularly his indelible contributions to sports.

“We express our condolences to the family of the Olubadan, all Ibadan indigenes as well as residents of the ancient city”. His contributions to sports development in the state are unquantifiable and the royal father has left a vacuum that is seriously difficult for anyone to fill”. The statement added.

The 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland passed away this morning, Sunday, 2nd January 2022, at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan at the age of 93.

Olaolu Fawole