Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has explained that the Ibadan traditional institution will continue to remain solid as a result of his administration’s bold decision to address the challenges that surrounded the system when he took office in 2019.
The governor noted that he utilised the opportunity of the crisis faced by the institution to strengthen it and to bring unity back to the institution.
Governor Makinde, who stated this on Tuesday, during a visit to the home of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, to condole with the family, said that there is no longer a question about the unity and strength of the Ibadan Chieftaincy System.
He appreciated the traditional institution and all Ibadan indigenes for their support and cooperation during the period that the change occurred.
He said: “I am here to officially condole with the family. A lot of people may not know how close I was to the late Kabiyesi. When I came into government in 2019, I encountered a crisis in the Ibadan traditional institution and I called everybody and said the crisis would be a temporary thing.
“The Sunday after that meeting, I met Kabiyesi in church at Aremo, and he said, ‘Governor, you stopped us from putting on our crowns’, and I responded, saying ‘It is for good.’
“I added that we would not shy away from facing our challenges; that we would sort it out and make Ibadan traditional institution stronger than we met it.
“I am glad that not only did I return the crown to Baba, he got to the level of becoming Olubadan before he joined his ancestors.
“I am equally glad that we utilised that opportunity to strengthen the Ibadan traditional institution to bring unity back to it. Today, there is no question about the unity and strength of that institution.
“I will like to use this opportunity to thank you for your cooperation, because, quite frankly, what we did was what they did in the past and it elicited a crisis.
“I am bold to say that for the next 50 years, the Ibadan traditional institution will remain solid, because we are now united. There is nobody outside displaying any kind of rancour and I am happy that we are able to achieve this during Baba’s reign.”
The governor added that he would pay his last respect to Oba Olakulehin, noting that as a governor and his son from Aremo, he would be fully involved in the burial.
In their separate responses, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who spoke on behalf of the Olubadan-in-Council and the eldest son of the late Olubadan, Prince Sumbo Owolabi, who spoke on behalf of the family, appreciated Governor Makinde for his support for the family during Baba’s lifetime and after his demise.
Oba Ajibola said Makinde’s era has been renowned for good things, especially in the area of his handling of the traditional institution.
He said: “I want to welcome our governor and to appreciate him for everything he has been doing. Your tenure has been renowned for good things, especially with regards to how you are handling matters that relate to the traditional institution.
“On behalf of the Olubadan-in-Council, I have been asked to greet you and to say that we are happy with you and I am sure the late Olubadan would be happy with you as well.
“It is painful that Kabiyesi has passed away, but we have to appreciate you for standing by us and reforming Ibadan. When things were hot, you were there and you brought calm. We are thankful that you are here to also sympathise with us in his absence.”
Also speaking, Owolabi said: “I want to thank you for this visitation. We really appreciate it.
“We all know you have started well and we pray that you will end well by the grace of God. You are doing a very wonderful job.
“I always tell people that you are doing well and we want you to continue to do excellently well.
“Baba has gone to rest and we thank you for not leaving the family after the death of our king.”
On the governor’s entourage were former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Senior Executive Assistant on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; commissioners, members of the House of Assembly, chairmen of local governments in Ibadanland and other government functionaries of Ibadan extraction.
