By our Reporter
Oba Akinloye Owolabi Iyanda Olakulehin was, on Friday, crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan at Mapo hall with all the majestic grandeur the ancient city could muster.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, graced the historic occasion.
According to John Paul Akinduro, Spokesperson to Ondo State Deputy Governor said mammoth crowd, spilling over to the periphery of the iconic Mapo hall were clearly excited, all dancing to the music of juju maestro, Taye Currency, who held the spectators and special guests spell bound for hours before the king arrived.
Shouts of ‘Kabiyesi o’ rang out as Oba Olakulehin was being presented the staff of office by Engr Seyi Makinde, the Oyo state governor.
“Today’s ceremony is a demonstration that Ibadan people can be resilient” Makinde said, as he hailed the king and prayed for a peaceful reign.
Ogun state governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, who is the chairman of Southern Governors’ Forum, congratulated the government of Oyo state and Ibadan people, on behalf of the 17 governors from the south.
“It’s the dawn of a new era” Abiodun observed.
President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, said he has no doubt the new king “will continue to uphold the value and tradition that have made Ibadan the symbol of hope and resilience”
The president called on the people to work together in peace and harmony, saying “let’s not forget the importance of unity and mutual respect”
Other dignitaries present at the event included the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Governors of Lagos and Osun states, who were represented by their deputy and Chief of Staff respectively and former governor of Oyo state, Rasheed Ladoja.