President Bola Tinubu praised the resilience and enduring tradition of the Ibadan monarchy at the coronation and presentation of the staff of the office to Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan on Friday 12 July 2024.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu read the president’s goodwill message.
Full text of the speech:
Your Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, Your Royal Highness, esteemed chiefs, especially my brother, High Chief Rasheed Ladoja, commissioners, guests, ladies and gentlemen.
It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this historic occasion, the coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of this ancient city of Ibadan.
I would like to extend my warm congratulations to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Olakulehin on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors.
Oba Olakulehin’s journey to the throne is a truly remarkable story. He became the Mogaji of the family in 1983 during the reign of Olubadan Asanike and began his journey to this revered throne of Olubadan as the Jagun Balogun in 1986. It took him 38 years and many steps before fate thrust him to the zenith of the ladder.
This ceremony heralds another epoch in the history of this highly regarded traditional institution in Yorubaland, indeed in Nigeria and beyond.
What we are celebrating today is not just the ascension of Kabiyesi Olakulehin but the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan 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 Ibadan 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 Ibadan 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 Ibadan a symbol of resilience and progress.
As we look to the future, we acknowledge that there are challenges ahead. But I am convinced that with Your Majesty’s leadership and the cooperation of all chiefs, sons and daughters of Ibadan and the residents, we can overcome these challenges and together build a brighter future for our city and our nation.
Therefore, I take this opportunity to pray for Your Majesty’s long tenure on the throne. May God grant you wisdom to make decisions that benefit all the people of Ibadan City and Nigeria as a whole. May you enjoy good health and strength to discharge your duties with dignity and integrity.
I also take this moment to remind us that our collective prosperity is tied to our ability to work together in harmony. As we celebrate this coronation, let us not forget the importance of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect. Let us continue to strive for peace and understanding among ourselves so that our great city may continue to blossom.
In conclusion, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for sticking to the laid down traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of His Royal Majesty.
May God bless Kabiyesi Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin. May God grant him a long and prosperous reign.
Thank you.
