The Olubadan-in-council has insisted that there is no legal impediment against the coronation of the Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Saliu Adetunji, as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Friday.
The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Dr. Lekan Balogun, stated this at a joint press conference by the Olubadan-in-council and top officials of the state government, led by a former Secretary to the State Government, Ismael Olalekan Alli.
Balogun declared that arrangements were in top gear for the coronation of the new Olubadan and presentation of staff of office by the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, on Friday.
Adetunji was born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Alhaji Olayiwola and Alhaja Suwebatu Adetunji of Adetunji compound, Popo Yemoja, in the South-East axis of Ibadan metropolis.
The high chief explained that the ceremony would be attended by dignitaries, foremost traditional rulers and top musicians across the country, some of whose works were produced by the Olubadan designate on his Omo Aje record label years back.
“The Kingmakers for the Olubadan of Ibadanland chieftaincy are empowered by the extant 1957 Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration to propose as candidate, the most senior chief in the line whose turn it is to fill a vacancy in the stool of Olubadan.
“Having satisfied all the conditions precedent according to the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration, High Chief Saliu Akanmu Adetunji has been appointed the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“The Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, will be presented with the instruments and the Staff of Office on Friday, March 4, 2016 at the traditional Mapo Hall Arcade, marking his official recognition, acceptance and endorsement as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
Going down the memory lane, he said that the incoming Oba became a Mogaji in 1976 and Jagun Balogun in 1978 and rose through the ranks, climbing 23 steps in the Balogun line, until 2015 when he became the Balogun of Ibadanland.
Commending the efforts of the state government towards the installation of the new Olubadan, Balogun disclosed that citizens of Ibadan across the 11 local governments in the state were being mobilized to grace the occasion.
“It is delightful to note that the incoming Olubadan is a doyen of the entertainment industry, having used his business acumen, organization, exposure and experience to promote successful artistes. So these musicians and dignitaries from all walks of life will grace the occasion.
“Over 200 indigenous clubs under the aegis of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), all socio-cultural organisations are participating fully in the events, which will surely include all the traditional rites and steps typical of the installation,”
A visit to the palace of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland at Popo-Yemoja indicated that preparations were in top gear to ensure a befitting ceremony, while the place is being given a facelift.
The interior of the historic Mapo Hall, which will play host to visitors during the installation ceremony, is also being given a new look.
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