…From Dele Ogunyemi, Ibadan…
History was on Saturday made in the Oyo State capital as Ibadan indigenes both at home and in the Diaspora resolved to build a new befitting official palace for the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba venue of the fund raising ceremony was graced by prominent Ibadan indigenes as well as the ordinary folks from the ancient city and capital of Oyo State.
At the end of the ceremony, over N250 million was raised for the new palace project which is billed to have a living area for the monarch, royal guest house, ceremonial pavilion, reception block, festivities ground, car parks, palace transport pool, power house, police post, fire station, wood land, existing Ibadan House and a market.
The Chief Launcher at the occasion and former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu set the ball rolling when he announced the donation of N50 million and this was closely followed by the state
Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi who donated N25 million on behalf of the state government and another N20 million on behalf of himself.
The Chairman of the occasion, Chief Bode Amoo also contributed N25 million towards the building project, while the Olubadan-in-Council, all the 11 local government councils in Ibadanland and the 11 Traditional Councils in the city donated N20 million, N55 million and N11 million respectively.
Senator Olufemi Lanlehin of the National Assembly also announced the donation of N5 million while former Governor Omololu Olunloyo contributed N1 million, Ambassador Olusola Saanu, N1 million, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) N10 million and members of the state House of Assembly N10 million.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Abiola Ajimobi described the occasion as a landmark event in the annals of not only Ibadanland but Oyo State and the South-West in general, stressing that a befitting palace for the Olubadan was a thing of pride to all Yoruba sons and daughters due to the fact that Oyo State was the political and the intellectual capital of the South-West zone.
He said that his desire to facilitate the endowment fund for the construction of a befitting palace for the Olubadan was a quest to make Ibadan fulfill the requirements of modernity.
“Government’s struggle to make the landscape of Ibadan conform with what is obtainable in modern cities of the world can only be complete with a modern palace for the Olubadan,’’ he said.
Governor Abiola Ajimobi expressed his administration’s commitment to the welfare and improved standard of living of traditional rulers, adding “we will always ensure that the institution occupies its pride of place in this dispensation which is noted for high respect and honour for traditional institution.
While describing chieftaincy institution as a source of political stability, administrative convenience and veritable haven of our cultural heritage, the governor said that it should never be allowed to be enmeshed in unnecessary controversy or instability.
He said that government would not hesitate to remove any threat, real or perceived, that might want to tamper with the peace and tranquility currently being enjoyed at present by the traditional institution.