The Ibadan Patriots, a body of prominent sons of Ibadanland, has expressed delight at the double coronation that was recently recorded in the popular city.
The first is the enthronement of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin; while the second is the elevation of High Chief Rashidi Ladoja as a beaded crown-wearing oba.
The elevation of High Chief Ladoja, who is a former Governor of the state, is in line with the amended Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, which was published in a gazette made available on July 12, the coronation day of Oba Olakulehin.
The ceremony performed by the Olubadan took place at the ultramodern Olubadan palace at Oke-Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement by The Ibadan Patriots, which is an affiliate of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), its President, Patriot Adebisi Adekunle JP, and the entire members, congratulate His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, on his enthronement as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In the statement signed by Patriot Ademola Alabi JP, TIP’s Public Relations Officer, the President extolled the leadership qualities of the Kabiyesi who was installed as Mogaji of his family Compound as well as Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland about four decades ago.
He also emphasised that all the indigenes and residents of Ibadanland should be optimistic of a positive change and development that his reign will bring.
While praying for divine wisdom, longevity and sound health for the monarch, Adekunle said, “We are glad that the historical legacy of the emergence of the Olubadans has continued to unfold well. We congratulate all the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, including our amiable Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, FSE on the continuous preservation of our heritage. We in The Ibadan Patriots want to humbly assure the Kabiyesi that we shall give His Royal Majesty, as well as the entire traditional council, adequate support towards the realisation of his great vision for Ibadanland.
“In the same vein, we congratulate High Chief Rasheed Ladoja on the elevation. We pray that the Almighty God will continue to strengthen him and other obas so that they will be able to work for the growth of our dear land.”
The President also expresses his heartfelt gratitude to the President General of CCII, Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole, and his team on the successful completion and unveiling of a befitting Palace for the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
