Makinde ushers in new Olubadan with ultra-modern palace ahead coronation, as Sultan visits Oyo State today

By KEMI KASUMU

Governor, of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has commissioned the newly constructed ultra-modern palace ahead of coronation of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

This was even as information available to The DEFENDER revealed that the coronation of this Olubadan will witness a handshake from across the Niger.

Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, and other eminent personalities in Nigeria have been confirmed to make it to coronation ceremony of the latest Yoruba Oba, holding on Friday July 12, 2024.

The palace, which has been under construction for many years, was just concluded and Oba Olakulehin is set to be the first king to occupy the edifice.

The new palace, said to be built in the pattern and standard of Buckingham Palace United Kingdom, was estimated at N800 million.

Makinde applauded the Governor Ajimobi for his bold initiative in actualising the palace project and Chief Bayo Oyero for their impacts on the project.

“I want to specially recognise the efforts of two people. The first person is late Governor Abiola Ajimobi who was bold and audacious in taking the very first step in actualising this palace project.

“Chief Bayo Oyero is the second person who I want to specially recognise. Initially, we were told that he was responsible for the delay in executing the project but I know that he was an asset to Oyo State and Nigeria. Hence, let me officially recognise you today. On behalf of Ibadan, I say thank you Baba”, Makinde sàid.

He also appreciated all sons and daughters of Ibadanland.

The President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ajeniyi Ajewole, noted that the project’s completion has put an eternal stop to the mockery of Ibadan by outsiders.

He added that they used to say that Ibadan with its uniqueness, does not have a palace of its own.

Meanwhile, the Olubadan-designate, who was represented by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, expressed appreciation to the Oyo State government for its role in the completion of the project.