The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji was absent yesterday at the historic Mapo Hall, Ojaba, Ibadan, when Governor Abiola Ajimobi presented staff of office to the 21 new kings in Ibadan.
Apart from Oba Adetunji, the Osi-Olubadan of Ibadanland, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, Iyalode of Ibadan, Alhaja Aminat Abiodun and many Ibadan-born opposition party members and others were absent.
Also not at the event were Senator Teslim Folarin, Oloye Sharafadeen Alli, Oloye Jumoke Akinjide, Engr. Seyi Makinde among others.
The monarch and Ladoja had, in a separate statement, distanced themselves from the coronation. However, the reason why Alhaja Abiodun was not present is still unknown as at the time of filing this report.
Some eminent Ibadan personalities however graced the event. Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were Chief Fredrick Fasheun, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, speaker of the Oyo State Housebof Assembly, Barr. Michael Adesina, Chief K.O Latunji, Prof. Rasheed Aderinoye, retired Justice Nurudeen Adekola, Alhaja Shekinat Adekola, former president-general of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Bayo Oyero; Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Pastor Benjamin AkanmuChief Lateef Oyelade, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN), Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Aare Dawud Akintola, Oyo NURTW chairman, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, Chief Lamidi Ajadi, General Raji Rasaq, government functionaries, lawmakers.