Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Chief Bode Amao, members of the Olubadan-in-Council led other dignitaries from all walks of life to the event.
Oba Olakulehin was represented by the Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe who presented a speech on his behalf.
The Nation reports that the Olubadan-designate has been in seclusion ahead of the Friday coronation as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Former Oyo Governor, who is also a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Senator Rashidi Ladoja was absent at the event.
The new structure is the second but newest modern Palace to be inhabited by the Olubadan located at the Oke Aremo area of the capital city.
The Nation reports that the first ultra modern Olubadan Palace situated at Oja’ba was constructed and commissioned over four decades ago.
But lack of space and other logistics challenges necessitated the construction of another Palace which was hugely facilitated by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII).
Speaking at the Commissioning, Makinde thanked every indigene who had contributed to make the project a reality.
He thanked his predecessor in office, late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi for taking the bold step that set the project in motion.
He said the second phase of the palace project will see to the renovation of the Bowers Tower, to attract tourist to visit the palace and the state, adding that he will expand the economy of the state through tourism.
Ladoja absent as Makinde commissions new Olubadan Palace
He added that a maintenance mechanism to ensure the palace is well maintained has also been put in place with monthly contributions expected from the 11 local government areas in Ibadan.
Makinde said: “This palace, we have put in place a maintenance system b3caueevwhat usually affects project as like is poor maintenance and we have as ked the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland to bring something every month to maintain the palace.
“The nearby Bowers Tower, we will fix it because tourism is one ofbthe things we would use to expand our economy and that will be part of the second phase of this project.
“I thank all those who have put innefforts that culminate in this palace today,, but there are two people I want to thank specifically for their roles and effort in actualisation this project.
“First, I want to thank my predecessor in office, late former governor Abiola Ajimobi. He was bold in his action by kickstartjng the process..
“The second person I want to thank is Chief Bode Amao. He contributed so much in all areas and I recognise that he is an asset to Oyo stateband Nigeria as a whole.
“For all Ibadan indigenes who contributed to the success and actualisation of this project, I thank you all.
Oba Olakulehin said the idea of the palace was conceived nine years ago during the time of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Olakulehin, who was represented by Oba Lateef Adebimpe, noted that former Governor Rashidi Ladoja gave approval of the allocation of land for the Palace.
He said the story of the palace will not be complete without appreciating effort of governor Makinde, adding that Ibadan will remain greatful for the effort of the governor towards the completion of the project.
He however said no palace in Southwest can compete with the newly commissioned palace
Some of the dignitaries who attended the event include: Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Secretary to State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; Oyo Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin who was represented by his Deputy among other top government functionaries.
The list also include Ex-First Lady, Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarunmi; Chief Adebayo Akande and his wife, Chief Mrs Onikepo, former and serving Presidents General of the CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, Senator Kola Baolgun, former Minister of Sports, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, Chairman 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola among others.