By Adewale Owoade, NAN
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo has lauded the traditional system of ascending to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Osinbajo gave the commendation in his remarks at the installation of (Dr) Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland. The Vice-President described the Ibadan traditional system as one of the best in Yoruba land.
“In the management of its traditional institution, Ibadan is unique. As we all know, whoever will become Olubadan must climb 23 chieftaincy steps from either of the two lines (Balogun and Otun. But it is its predictability and orderliness that ranks it among the most peaceful and unique ascent protocol anywhere.
“It is the custodianship of this illustrious heritage and proud tradition that the Olubadan has been initiated to today. It is therefore, your royal majesty, a heavy obligation of history that the previledge of your ascent to the throne of your fathers now places upon your shoulders. But your shoulders are broad and steady as you come into this office better prepared than probably any monarchy anywhere.
“So, on behalf of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, the government and people of Nigeria, I congratulate you on your elevation to the throne of the custodians and defender of the ascent culture and tradition of the people of Ibadan, the Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Osinbajo said.
Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, in his address, Charged the traditional ruler and the Council to protect Ibadan chieftaincy system. According to him, Ibadan traditional system is a time-tested and long-lasting chieftaincy system that has remained a worthy example in chieftaincy succession globally.
“I want to restate that even though we politicians will come and go, sometimes, to satisfy our political whims, we may make decisions that do not protect our traditional systems. This is why the custodians of our culture must always take a stand against us tinkering with age-old traditional systems. Our elders, the members of the various councils, the chiefs and our traditional fathers; they are the gatekeepers and they must remain steadfast in their roles.
“Remember, no politician can destroy any system without the cooperation of some members of the systems. Therefore, I want to use this opportunity to ask that Kabiyesi and the Olubadan-in-Council work to ensure that the laws having to do with the ascension to the throne of Olubadan remain sacrosanct. The Olubadan-in-Council should remain self-regulated without any external interference from the political class. We rejoice as, today, we crown a new Olubadan,” Makinde said.
After the performance of traditional rites, Makinde presented the new Oba with the Staff and Instrument of Office. This was followed by an acceptance speech by the new Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who promised to uphold the sanctity of the office and the confidence reposed in him by the people of Ibadan land and Nigeria as a whole.The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the occasion was witnessed by political and traditional leaders as well as other eminent personalities across the country. (NAN)
