Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, said on Friday that the ascension of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland is a testament to the enduring and resilient spirit of Ibadan.
The governor noted that the coronation of Oba Olakulehin has also put individuals who chose to focus on things that divide Ibadan in their place, as Oba Olakulehin has now taken the crown to Ibadan North-East and Ona-Ara.
He said: “Governor Makinde’s vision and support have been instrumental in making this historic coronation ceremony a reality.”
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olakulehin thanked Governor Makinde for his unrelenting support to the traditional institution.
He also expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the coronation ceremony.
The event had in attendance 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, old Oyo and Ogun states, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); and former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.
Governors of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olaide Adelami (mni); Governor of Lagos State, Babajide SanwoOlu, represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde, were also in attendance.
Also in attendance were Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State and National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi and Chief Moses Alake-Adeyemo; wife of the former governor, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker.