President Bola Tinubu has lauded the stability of the Ibadan monarchy and its rancour-free kingship model, describing it as one that Nigeria can learn from.

Tinubu made this remark during the coronation ceremony and presentation of staff of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, by Governor Seyi Makinde, at the historic Mapo hall, Ibadan, on Friday.

Tinubu, who was represented by Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, praised the enduring tradition, resilience of the Ibadan monarchy and unique succession route to the Olubadan throne as one that stands out.

The president particularly prayed to God to grant the new Olubadan the wisdom, guidance and strength to lead the lbadan people with fairness, justice and compassion.

Tinubu said: “What we are celebrating today is not just the ascension of Kabiyesi Olakulehin but the enduring tradition and resilience of the lbadan 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 lbadan kingship model. We must recognize 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 lbadan people and all residents with fairness, justice, and compassion.

“As the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am proud to be part of this celebration, I am confident that Your Majesty will continue to uphold the tradition and values that have made lbadan a symbol of resilience and progress.

“As we look to the future, we acknowledge that there are challenges ahead. But l am convinced that with Your Majesty’s leadership and the cooperation of all chiefs, sons and daughters of lbadan and the residents, we can overcome these challenges and together build a brighter future for our city and our nation,” he said.

The Mapo Hall venue of the ceremony overflew with a massive number of residents of Ibadan keen to behold their new king, aside from a retinue of royalties, and public office holders among other personalities.

The roll call of personalities at the ceremony included the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Osun deputy governor, Kola Adewusi; Chief of Staff to the Lagos governor, Mr Tayo Ayinde; Ondo deputy governor, Dr Olaide Adelami; Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; Oyo Chief Judge represented by Justice R.B. Akintola.

In his remarks after presenting the certificate and staff of office to Oba Olakulehin, Governor Seyi Makinde said the coronation ceremony showed that Ibadan people are resilient and focus only on what unites rather than divides them.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, who spoke on behalf of the 17 Southern governors, said the coronation signalled the dawn of a new era in Ibadan land and was a significant milestone in the rich history of Ibadan.

In his first remarks as Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin promised to ensure that Ibadan does not regress but continues to experience progress and development.

He specially appreciated the retinue of personalities who graced his coronation as Olubadan.

Prior to arrival at the Mapo hall, Oba Olakulehin had gone through traditional crowning rites involving the Afobaje and a visit to the Ose Meji shrine.

Among other personalities present at the ceremony were: Oyo deputy speaker, Honourable Abiodun Fadeyi; Senator Sarafadeen Alli; federal lawmakers of Oyo State; Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Daud Akintola; Oyo South senatorial candidate in the 2023 election, Joseph Tegbe; Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Olusola Alao; Aseyin of Iseyin land, Oba Sefiu Olawale; Onpetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oyediran; Iba of Kisi, Oba Lawal Moshood; and Dr Olusola Ayandele. (Nigerian Tribune)

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