Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin was crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday in a grand ceremony that drew the elite of Nigerian society.
This event followed the seclusion period for the newly crowned monarch. He succeeds Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan, who passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.
Governor Seyi Makinde presented the staff of office to Oba Olakulehin at the Mapo Hall Grounds in the Oyo State capital, Ibadan.
“I, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Sections 1 and 2, Subsections 20 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Volume 1 Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria, hereby present the staff of office, ratifying the appointment of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Governor Makinde announced during the event.
Governor Makinde praised Olakulehin’s ascension as a symbol of Ibadan’s enduring and resilient spirit.
“This has again demonstrated that Ibadanland and the people of Ibadan can be resilient. Those who have been focusing on the things that divide us have now been put to shame. I want to greet the Kabiyesi and pray that God will grant you long life to reign for a long time on the throne,” he said.
He also emphasized that the coronation of Oba Olakulehin counters divisive efforts in Ibadan as the new Olubadan now presides over Ibadan North-East and Ona-Ara.
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, congratulated Oba Olakulehin and celebrated the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchical system. He commended Governor Makinde for adhering to traditional rules in appointing and installing the new monarch.
“It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this coronation and the presentation of the staff of the office to Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. I would like to extend my congratulations to the monarch on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. This is a truly remarkable story. This ceremony heralds another epoch in the history of this highly regarded traditional institution in Yorubaland, indeed in Nigeria and beyond.
“What we are celebrating today is not just the ascension of Oba Olakulehin but the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchy. The nation remains grateful for this abiding legacy of the Olubadan dynasty, which has been a beacon of stability with its unique succession route to the throne, a tradition established since 1851.
“The whole country can learn from this rancour-free Ibadan kingship model. We must recognise the immense responsibility that comes with this sacred office, and we pray that God will grant Your Majesty wisdom, guidance, and strength to lead the Ibadan people. In conclusion, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for sticking to the laid down traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of His Royal Majesty.”
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, also extended his congratulations, describing the event as the beginning of a new era.
In her welcome address, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Olanike Adeyemo acknowledged that the coronation honored Ibadan’s rich cultural legacy that has thrived for centuries. She praised Governor Makinde for his commitment to promoting the cultural heritage of Oyo State.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters Ademola Ojo, delivering the vote of thanks, appreciated Governor Makinde for his leadership and dedication to preserving Ibadan’s cultural heritage.
“Governor Makinde’s vision and support have been instrumental in making this historic coronation ceremony a reality,” he said.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olakulehin expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his support of the traditional institution and thanked all attendees of the coronation ceremony.
The event was attended by numerous dignitaries, including the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); former Military Administrator of old Oyo and Ogun states, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, represented by Deputy Governor Prince Kola Adewusi; Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Deputy Governor Olaide Adelami (mni); and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, represented by Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde, among others.