The Olubadan-in-council, monarchs and Mogajis across the 11 local government areas of Ibadan land, on Thursday, jointly paid a “royal visit” to the Ibadan residence of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The visit ahead of next week’s coronation had in attendance the Otun Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Abimbola Ajibola; Osi Balogun, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe; Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ashipa Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Dada Isioye; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez.
Conspicuously members of the Olubadan in council not present at the event were the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole and Ekarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande.
The Oniroko of Iroko, Oba Olasunkanmi Abioye spoke on behalf of the monarchs of various domains while Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori led other family heads on the visit.
Leading remarks on the visit, the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade said the visit was to pay homage and affirm that all members of the Olubadan in council, monarchs, Mogajis in Ibadan land are children of the Olubadan designate.
He described the trajectory to Oba Olakulehin being set to be enthroned as being in accordance with God’s dictates, as he prayed for good health, progress and growth of Ibadan land under the reign of Olubadan designate.
Similarly, the Osi Balogun, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe said Ibadan surmounted challenges to its existence, in years past, and was bound to continue to experience progress under the next Olubadan.
Speaking, the Otun Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Abimbola Ajibola said all issues relating to the Olubadan ascension had been resolved.
Describing himself as right hand of the Olubadan designate, Oba Ajibola said that his earlier request for Oba Olakulehin to show his fitness to occupy the throne was for his good and to hasten the process of ascension.
He said Ibadan continued to show its belief in a democratic process as he prayed long life for the Olubadan designate.
Ajibola praised Governor Seyi Makinde, the Governor’s Advisory Council led by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the Olubadan in council for playing their parts to ensure that the ascension process goes as desired.
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Ajibola said: “There is no controversy in Olubadan ascension. There will be issues but they will be resolved. We are warriors but we show that we are democratic.
“I am Oba Olakulehin’s right hand so my asking him to show his fitness was for his good. This is my first royal visit after the controversy. Governor Seyi Makinde is our leader and we are happy things are going the way we want them to go.”
Speaking on behalf of His Royal Highnesses of Ibadan land, the Oniroko of Iroko, Oba Olasunkanmi Abioye said Ibadan is in for peace and development as Oba Olakulehin is known as a man who detests dishonest, sharp practices.
He enjoined Oba Olakulehin to ensure regular meetings with the Ibadan monarchs, as he prayed long life for the Olubadan designate.
Responding on behalf of Oba Olakulehin, his Aremo, Prince Olasunbo Olakulehin said Ibadan will experience progress and good tidings under the next Olubadan.
He assured that Oba Olakulehin will have regular interface with the Olubadan in council and other monarchs. Oba Olakulehin afterwards had a closed-door meeting with the Olubadan in council.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE