Newly coronated Olubadan, His Royal Highness, Oba Saliu Akanmu Olasupo Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, has pleaded with the Federal Government for the creation of Ibadan State out of the present Oyo State as well as the establishment of an international airport in Ibadan.

Speaking during his coronation ceremony yesterday in Ibadan, witnessed by thousands of dignitaries across the political and religious divides, the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Olasupo Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, said the two items were essential to the Ibadan people.

The Olubada, who was delighted with the quality of dignitaries present at his coronation, said when former governor of Lagos State and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Asiwaju Bola Tunubu, came forward to pay him homage, “I want Ibadan Airport to be upgraded to international standard. This will in no small measure encourage free flow of businesses in Ibadan. Logistics is paramount to business success. I will talk to the concerned authorities and I am very sure they will heed our appeal.

“Secondly, the creation of Ibadan state is long overdue. Even I heard the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, in the media saying Ibadan deserved to become a state. So, in my own capacity, I won’t relent till that is achieved.

“I appeal to all Ibadan indigenes that have investments around the world to come back home and invest in Ibadan for the development of our city. I will beg Bola Tinubu as a key personality in this government to assist us in this regard.”

It would be recalled that the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1st, joined his ancestors on 19^th of January 2016 at the age of 102. And the late monarch was buried on 12th of February 2016.

The dignitaries that attended the coronation ceremony which was held at the ancient Mapo Hall include The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State governor Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, the Governor of Ogun State Senator, Ibikunle Amosun, The governor of Osun State Ogbeni Rauuf Aregbesola, Imo State governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and the governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose.

Other dignitaries include former Oyo State governors Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, Senator (Chief) Rashidi Ladoja, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde (Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in 2015 election), the Minister of Communication Barrister Adebayo Shittu, former governor of Ogun State Chief Segun Osoba.

The royal fathers that graced the occasion include the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar, the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, Oba of Lagos Oba Rilwanu Akinlolu, Emir of Ilorin Alhaji Sulu Gambari, the Olugbo of Igboland Oba Obateru Akinruntan, the Alake of Egbaland Oba Aremu Gbadebo, Representative of Owa Obokun of Ijesa land Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, Ayangburin of Ikorodu. (Nigerian Pilot)

•Photo shows Olubadan, HRH, Oba Saliu Akanmu Olasupo Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, receiving his certificate of recognition from Governor Isiaka Ajimobi . . . yesterday in Ibadan.

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