By DAVID ADEOYE/TUNDE AJAYI

IOba Owolabi Olakulehin, 89, on Friday received the staff of office as the 43rd Olubadan of lbadanland.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presented both the Staff and Instrument of Office to the new Olubadan.

The presentation came shortly after Olakulehin was crowned at the Labosinde compound, “the family with exclusive right to crown Olubadan.”

NAN also reports that Oba Olakulehin later proceeded to Ile Osemeji at Oja’ba area, where divination on the future of Ibadanland was revealed.

The new Olubadan, thereafter, accompanied by members of Olubadan in-Council, family members and well wishers, moved to the frontage of the popular Mapo Hall.

In his address, Gov. Makinde charged the new Ibadan traditional ruler to use the position for the upliftment and progress of Ibadanland.

He promised that his administration would continue to promote traditional institutions, while congratulating the entire Ibadan people for a successful enthronement of the new Olubadan.

The Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, who represented President Bola Tinubu, implored Oba Olakulehin to uphold the tradition and values that had made Ibadan a symbol of resilience and progress.

“As we look to the future, we acknowledge that there are challenges ahead but I am surely convinced that we can overcome these challenges with your majesty’s leadership quality, cooperation of all chiefs and the people.

“Let us not forget to live in unity, tolerance, mutual respect for one another and let us continue to strive for peace and understanding among ourselves so that Ibadan would continue to blossom,” Adelabu stated.

In his acceptance speech, Oba Olakulehin thanked sons and daughters of Ibadanland for supporting his enthronement.

He pledged to rule the ancient city in a way that would fast-track more development.

Olakulehin equally appreciated the federal and state governments for their contributions toward the success of the coronation.

Among the dignitaries that attended the event were Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Deputy governors of Osun and Ondo states, Chief Kola Adewusi and and Dr Olayide Adelami respectively.

Chief of Staff to Gov. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Mr Tayo Ayinde, was also present. (NAN)

•PHOTO: From left, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; presenting staff of office to the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi; while Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar and Oni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi look on, during the coronation of Oba Owolabi as the 43rd Olubadan, held at Mapo, Ibadan. PHOTO: Oyo Gov's Media Unit.

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