The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on Saturday, officially unveiled the incoming Iyalode of Ibadan, Chief Mrs Theresa Oyekanmi, to the members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
The CCII members, on a visit to pay homage to the Olubadan of Ibadan, as part of activities to commemorate 2019 Ibadan cultural festival, was led by its President-General, Chief Yemi Soladoye, who recently got elected for a second term in office.
Receiving the CCII team, Oba Adetunji thanked the CCII leadership and members of Iyalode-in-Council for their visit and used the opportunity to debunk the insinuation that Mrs Oyekanmi, who is the current Otun Iyalode may be dropped for another candidate.
Oba Adetunji recalled the seamless ascension of hierarchy in Ibadan Republican chieftaincy system which predated country’s amalgamation of 1914, said, “many have come to me that I should not crown you (Otun Iyalode) but I asked them what were your sins and why did they say I should not make you, a next in the rank to be Iyalode?
“Up till now, they have not come back to answer my question. So, by the grace of God, I will make you the Iyalode of Ibadan,” Oba Adetunji said to the chagrin of the CCII members.
He then prayed for long life for Iyalode and God’s mercy on his reign to enable him to succeed as the paramount ruler of the city, reputed to be a war camp for the Yoruba warlords, many centuries ago.
Chief Soladoye had lauded the monarch for the warm and colourful reception accorded them amidst pomp and pageantry, and asked the monarch to be prepared to grace the grand finale coming up on Saturday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
Soladoye said over 100 Ibadan clubs and associations of indigenes across the globe, had written him of their participation, just as he listed awardees of the day to include AIG Fatai Oladipupo; a retired Lagos CP Fatai Owoseni and first African female Quantity Surveyor, Prof Olubola Babalola.
Others are Chief Owolabi Oladejo of Impact Radio and Tv Ibadan and owner of Ilaji farms, Chief Dotun Sanusi and Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers, Alhaji Abideen Olajide Ejiogbe.
