The Egbeda Youth Forum has felicitates with Hon. Lekan Bello the People’s Democratic Party Oyo Central Youth Leader on the occasion of his birth anniversary.
The group in a press statement released and signed by their Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ayoade Adewale and made available to newsmen described Hon. Lekan Bello as an agent of change committed to the development of human capacity whose journey has been an inspiration to the youth of Egbeda and Oyo State.
“Today, we celebrate our leader, whose life has been an inspiration to all of us, his commitment to the development of young people is second to none, and we thank God for his life”
“Your dedication to youth empowerment, and community development has been a source of inspiration for us all. Your leadership within the PDP has not only strengthened our party but has also provided a platform for the youth to actively engage in the political process and drive positive change”
The group thereafter pray to God to grant him long life, more wisdom and fulfilment of heart desires.
“On this special day, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your exemplary service and leadership. We wish you continued success, good health, and boundless happiness in the years ahead. May your path be filled with even greater achievements and may you continue to inspire and uplift those around you”
As we officially witness the installation and coronation of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, I join all sons and daughters of Ibadanland, including the residents of this ancient city, in celebration.
Ibadan is renowned for its unique chieftaincy system, which has made succession to the throne a stress-free process, contributing significantly to the relative peace in our land. Undoubtedly, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin’s ascension comes with its own challenges, which I have previously referred to as human factors. Now, before Kabiesi is the developmental agenda of Ibadanland (Ile-badan).
It is essential for my readers to understand that Ibadan is not just an ordinary city; it is a megalopolis. This literally means ‘Ile-badan,’ a city consisting of many smaller cities, and most importantly, a city without end—one city encompassing of 63 towns and 3,089 villages.
Oba Owolabi is a successful businessman and an accomplished military war veteran who served in the Nigerian Army and fought in the Second World War. He is also a notable public administrator, having won the Federal House of Representatives election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) during the aborted Third Republic.
Kabiesi became Mogaji in 1983 and climbed the ascension ladder in 1986 as Jagun Balogun, spending 38 years in royal learning through the ascension ladder. As I have highlighted in various radio interviews, the 38 years Kabiesi spent climbing the ladder is a notable tradition of royal learning. He has been entrusted with numerous royal responsibilities, preparing him well for this significant role. While age might pose a slight challenge, Kabiesi’s years of royal learning and the support of various administrative arms derived from the Olubadan will ease his responsibilities.
It is also noteworthy that Kabiesi understands how these administrative arms work. He has been a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Council of Ibadan Mogajis, and has been involved in the activities of the Council of Baales, despite not being a formal member. His deep involvement in these administrative arms over the years shows that he is not an outsider; he is well-prepared to deliver, especially with the support of these bodies.
As an indigene, I have my reservations about the long road to the throne. However, the beauty of this system, which seems to be forgotten, is that it allows a son of ‘nobody’ who is industrious to become the Olubadan. In Ibadan, all families are royal families, making us all Princes and Princesses.
In this new dispensation, I look forward to the Olubadan, with the cooperation of the Olubadan-in-Council and traditional stakeholders, including the State Government, reviewing the elevation of High Chiefs to Obas, thereby resolving all controversies surrounding the matter.
Our expectations are high for the new Olubadan, and I believe it is the duty of all sons and daughters, including the residents, to support His Majesty as he ascends the throne of our ancestors.
Long live the King.
‘Kayode Ajani is an Indigene of Ibadan and writes from Mapo hill. 08104260476
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.
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, under the Leadership of Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole has announced a shift in time for the commissioning of the new ultra modern palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland previously scheduled for 10am today.
According to a statement made available to news, the CCII regretted any inconveniences the shift in time might cause people, and requested for peoples understanding.
The statement reads:
“This is to inform all invited guests, groups, clubs, associations as well as the general public that due to unforeseen circumstances, we regret to announce that the commissioning of the new ultra modern Olubadan palace, earlier scheduled for 10 o’clock tomorrow morning, Wednesday, has been shifted to 3 o’clock in the afternoon.“Any inconveniences occasioned by this sudden unforseen change of time are deeply regretted, just as your absolute understanding with the anticipated cooperation is highly appreciated.”
Ajewole added that the new time for the commissioning is now 3pm on Wednesday, July 10th, 2024.The new ultramodern palace is located on the hill of Oke Aremo, Ibadan, and the new Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin is expected to be the first king to occupy the palace.Ọba Olakulehin will be corronated on Friday, July 12th, 2024.
Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes under the leadership of Chief Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole has felicitated the 43rd Olubadan-Designate, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin on his 89th Birth Anniversary.
“Today, we celebrate the extraordinary life and legacy of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. Your Majesty, on this auspicious occasion of your birthday, we honor your remarkable journey and the profound impact you have made on our community and beyond”
“A distinguished military veteran, you have served our nation with unparalleled valor and dedication. Your strategic acumen and unwavering commitment to duty have earned you a place of respect and admiration in the annals of our history. Your leadership in the military has been nothing short of exemplary, inspiring countless individuals to follow in your noble footsteps”
“Beyond the battlefield, you have distinguished yourself as an accomplished public figure and business magnate. Your visionary leadership in public service has brought about transformative changes, enhancing the lives of many and fostering a sense of unity and progress within our community. In the world of business, your acumen and entrepreneurial spirit have driven significant growth and innovation, setting new benchmarks for success”
“As the revered 43rdOlubadan of Ibadanland, may your reign be marked with wisdom compassion, and an unwavering commitment to the well-being of your people”
“On this special day, we extend our heartfelt wishes for your continued health, happiness, and prosperity. May your reign be long and prosperous, and may your legacy continue to inspire generations to come”
The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes through the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week on Thursday, 4th July 2024 hosted the finals of the S.I Amole female football competition and President-General male football competition at the Ilaji Hotel & Resort Sports complex.
The event was attended by CCII President General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, Chairman of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, Mogaji Isiaq Ajibola Salawu-Areokuta, and Chairman of the Karim Adeyemi Foundation, who was represented by Barrister Olamide Idowu.
Others in attendance included the 2023 NNPP gubernatorial candidate in the state, Mr. Joshua Popoola, Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Dotun Sanusi and Alhaji Abiola Alli, immediate past President Omo-Ajorosun Club, Ibadan, among others.
Our correspondent reports that Adem High School scored three goals and won the female category after defeating Elekuro High School, which scored zero goals.
In the male category, Ibadan South East scored one goal to emerge as the winner after beating Ibadan North East, which scored zero goals.
Alhaja Folasade Olayiwola the Chairperson of the Sports Sub-committee while addressing journalists at the event, said that the competition was organized to discover more talents in sports. Olayiwola, who also serves as the Social Secretary of CCII, called on the federal and state governments to allocate more funds to support grassroots sports.
She added that this is necessary to discover more talents in sports.“We want to discover more talents in Ibadanland. We are doing this to encourage our young ones. We need to engage them. We do it every year.“We have been supporting grassroots sports through these competitions. We have secondary school students participating. Even the best are being picked by coaches within and outside the country. Some of these best have gotten the opportunity to travel abroad.“We are appealing to the governments at all levels to support grassroots sports. This will help us discover more talents in sports.
The ultra modern palace of the Olubadan of Ibadanland will be officially commissioned on Wednesday, July 10 2024.
A statement from the office of the Publicity Secretary of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, Kola Olomide, the body which spearheaded the completion of the construction of the Olubadan palace at Oke Aremo in Ibadan stated that the palace is ready for the use of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin.
“On behalf of the President General of the CCII, I have the honour and privilege to announce that all is set for the inauguration of the new palace. We thank everyone that has contributed to the success we are witnessing today. Most especially, the Oyo State Governor, Engineer Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE who is expected to be the Special Guest at honour at the historic event. All guests are requested to be on seat before 10 am.
The Chairman, Oyo State Park Management System, PMS, Alhaji Wasiu Tomiwa Omolewa is to receive the Distinguished Business Leader Award of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII.
This disclosure was made on Monday by the Chairman, 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, Balogun Gafar Ojetola when he led members of his Committee to the office of the PMS Chairman at Podo area of Ibadan.
According to Balogun Ojetola, ” this award is in recognition of your immense contributions to the peace and progress of Ibadanland. The PMS under your able leadership has done quite well. The people of Ibadan appreciate what you are doing in ensuring discipline among your members “ It is heartwarming to say that since you assumed office as the Chairman of PMS, there has not been any uproar or violence which used to be the norm with transport union workers. This is highly commendable. “Ordinarily, CCII does not associate with violent and troublesome transport union workers. We used to keep a distance. But, your own style is different. We need to encourage you and your members to continue to contribute to the Socio-economic development of Ibadanland “,he submitted Balogun Ojetola also solicited the support of the PMS Chairman in making this year Ibadan Cultural Festival a memorable and glamorous event. The 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee to appreciate the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his relentless assistance for CCII and Ibadan land, assuring him also of continued support of the people of the city and the state at large Responding, the PMS Chairman expressed gratitude to the CCII for the recognition. He promised to continue to work more for the peace and progress of Oyo state. Alhaji Tomiwa while thanking the Oyo State Governor for the confidence reposed in him said “there is no room for thuggery and brigandage .We warn all those with those tendencies to stay away from our parks”.
The 5th National Parliament of Federation of Ibadan Students’ Union under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Kamil Umaru Faruk has announced the suspension of the Union President, Aare Ademola Abdulganiy pka Confidence and Vice-President 1, Comr. Zulykhor Aramide from office with immediate effect.
According to the made statement made available to news men, it was gathered that the House acted on the petition submitted by concerned members of the union citing financial misconduct, abuse of power, fraud, and using the name of the union to beg for money from individuals which has brought shame to the name of the union.
The 5th National Speaker stated that after receiving the allegation, the President and Vice-President were called to give their own part of the story, but the President in his usual arrogant ways decided not to show up, and the Vice-president 1 that showed wasn’t able to convinced the house beyond reasonable doubt, hence the indefinite suspension.
A motion for the suspension of the President & Vice-president 1 was moved and was seconded, after which the speaker called for a counter motion but wasn’t moved, and the house unanimously agreed to Suspend the two of them, in order to save the image of the union, pending the outcome of final investigation.
The house report also stated that the President has been directed to handover to the Vice-president 2 of the Union, and return all the union property in his care and Vice-president 2 , Comr. Oladipupo Ayomikun Emmanuel shall be acting in capacity of Acting President of the union pending the outcome of the special investigation of the house. Furthermore, the President was specially warmed to return the union bus to the premises of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, in order not to follow the footstep of his successor who sold the union bus.
Karim Adeyemi, the forward player of Borussia Dortmund who double as the founder of Karim Adeyemi Foundation has donated a complete 8 set of jersey to the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes.
The Jersey donation was to support the CCII efforts in local sports and identifying and developing local talent through the President-General Inter-local government football competition and Chief S.I Amole female football competition which always take place during the annual Ibadan Cultural Festival.
The Karim Adeyemi Foundation team led by Barrister Olamide Idowu – Project manager had in his entourage Dunmoye Olatunde- (Adeyemi FC), Gbadegesin Yusuf – Asst Coach (Adeyemi FC), Aanu Oluyide – Executive Secretary, Karim Adeyemi foundation, AdekunleAdewunmi – Welfare secretary and Mercy Eniola Adebayo- Photographer were received by the President-General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barr Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole on behalf of the 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week Central Planning Committee Chairman, Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, and 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Week Sports Sub-committee Chairperson Alhaja Folasade Olayiwola.
Presents with the President-General were Dr. Tirimisiyu A.G. Oladimeji – 1st Vice President General, Baale Oloyede Alamu Ibikunle – 2nd Vice President General, Mr Adetokunbo Subair – Secretary General, Mogaji Kunle Shodeinde – 1st Asst. Secretary General, Mr Raufu Sulemon Iyanda (Ajambata) – 2nd Asst. Secretary General, Mr Olumuyiwa Oyasogo – Financial Secretary, Dr. Ademola Taiwo – Legal Adviser, Mr Oyewale Abayomi Oyerunde – Auditor, Baale Bolaji Adeleke – Immediate Past Acting Sec. General.
Also, Chief (Mrs) Olaide Idowu Lawal – Board of Trustees Member, Mrs Omotosho – Ibadan Festival Planning Committee Member, Alh. Sanni CCII Think-tank Membe, CCII Sports Coordinator; Elder John Kayode Ogunleye(Baba John-Kay)and Secretary of the Sub-committee; Mr Saheed Oyebamiji.
The President-General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, on behalf of the council appreciates the foundation for their kind gesture and said that the council look forward to more future collaboration, most especially in the area of local football development in Ibadan land.
It will also interest the public to know, that Karim Adeyemi himself will be available for the finals of PG male Inter-local government football competition and Chief S.I Amole female football competition holding on the 4th of July at Ilaji hotel and resort.
