Business mogul and politician, Dr. Olusola Ayandele (Eruobodo) has predicted that Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, would attain greater height of development during the reign of Oba Mashood Olalekan Balogun-Alliwo (Alli Okunmade 2) who is being crowned today as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
It is recalled that the death of Oba Saliu Adetunji (Aje Ogungunnuso 1) on January 2, 2022 created a vacuum in the traditional leadership of Ibadanland while the expected promotion of the former Otun Olubadan who was supposed to be the next Olubadan of Ibadanland in line with the age-long succession arrangement was greeted by controversies but this was laid to rest few weeks ago when Gov. Seyi Makinde approved the choice of High Chief ‘Lekan Balogun as recommended by the Olubadan-in- Council.
Dr. Ayandele in a congratulatory message contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Thursday described Oba Balogun-Alliwo as a courageous, experienced and resourceful icon whose emergence as the paramount ruler of Ibadanland indicated that the Oyo state capital was destined to sustain its rating as one of the greatest cities in Africa and the entire universe.
“The new Olubadan of Ibadanland had proven his mettle as an enigma before stamping his foot on the ladder of Obaship about 40 years ago. He always used his God-given attributes to realise his set goals as he traversed the field of academics, politics, business and public administration with many success stories to his credit. With a paramount ruler who can boast of the right quantum of exposure, experience and zeal, Ibadan is here for peace, prosperity and accelerated development.
“Ibadan deserves its pride of place as the political and security capital of the Yoruba people in the South Western part of the country and this explains why the city is reputed to be home for all. As the old capital of the defunct Western region, Ibadan will always be the centre of gravity for all the Yoruba at home and in the diaspora. The bond which an average Yoruba person shares with Ibadan makes it imperative for us to identify with the the Land of Warriors on this great occasion and we join the multitude of friends and well-wishers of the city to wish our new Monarch a long, peaceful and eventful reign.
“While we are using this opportunity to appreciate all members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) as well as other eminent individuals and groups who facilitated timely resolution of the controversies which almost marred the confirmation process of the successor to the late Oba Saliu Adetunji, we urge Gov. Seyi Makinde to be magnanimous enough in doing the needful to approve the nomination of the candidate for the throne of Eleruwa of Eruwa as made by the relevant stakeholders in the interest of justice and peace.” Ayandele added.
