Ibadan, the Oyo State capital came alive Thursday 4th March, 2021, as the paramount ruler of the ancient city, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, celebrated his fifth anniversary on the exalted throne in pomp and ceremony.
Royal fathers, political heavyweights, captains of industry and other well-wishers converged on the Ilaji Hotel and Sports Resort Centre, Akanran, Ibadan, for a dinner organized in honour of the highly referred Monarch.
The event put together by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, in conjunction with the Chairman of Ilaji Hotel, Chief Dotun Sanusi, had in attendance creme de la creme of the society.
Led by the governor of Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Mojeed Mogbonjubola; other dignitaries include the Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Mr. Sunday Dare; eminent legal practitioner, Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN); Chief Bayo Oyero; Prof. Remi Raji.
Also Dr. Alex Anozie and the Etsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, who was represented by the Oba Tapa of Ibadanland, Alhaji Sheu Tijani Ibrahim; Others who graced the occasion are Chief (Mrs.) Bola Doherty; the Iyaloja of Ibadanland, Chief (Mrs.) Abiola Ameringun; members of Olubadan-in-Council, chiefs, community leaders, traditional rulers and title holders, among others from within and outside the city.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman of the occasion, Oba Ogunwusi described Olubadan as a humble leader as well as an epitome of resilience who has sustained peaceful coexistence among indigenes and residents of the ancient city.
According to him: “Olubadan remains one of the greatest monarchs we have in the country and he deserves to be celebrated. Five years reign of Oba Adetunji has brought a lot of development to Ibadanland; therefore he deserves to be celebrated considering his achievements since his ascension to the throne of his forefathers.
“Five years is just like yesterday. Baba told me he wanted to postpone the coronation anniversary because of the corona virus but I insisted that we must celebrate him because he deserves it. I pray for long life for him.”
Chief Sanusi described Oba Adetunji as a peaceful and humble person who believes so much in the unity of Ibadanland, adding that the Monarch has been able to bring together all ethnic groups living in the ancient city.
ALSO READ: Fayose don’t deserve to have been even LG chairman, former Oyo…
He described the fifth coronation anniversary as a unique and record breaking that will be remembered as a first class Monarch is celebrating another first class Monarch.
The guest lecturer at the event, Prof. Remi Raji, described Oba Adetunji as a traditional ruler who loves his people dearly, adding that the humility and resilience of the monarch makes a lot of people rally round him.
The Monarch’s personal assistant, Mr. Adeola Oloko, noted that people who had thought that Oba Adetunji who ascended the throne at the age of 89 years might not be around long enough are l
amazed at the great achievements recorded by the Monarch.
“We are celebrating the achievements and the grace of God in the life of the Olubadan. We are celebrating him because five years is not a joke. A lot of things have happened in the last five years of his reign. This five years coronation is symbolic because a Monarch like the Ooni of Ife can celebrate Olubadan in his lifetime.”, he said.
Also, Dr. Anozie and Oba Tapa, Alhaji Ibrahim, described Olubadan as accommodating and has been sustaining peace and harmony among residents and indigenes of the state.
Meanwhile, the apex socio-cultural organization of all Ibadan indigenes, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), held a similar event at Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan. It’s President-General, Chief Yemi Soladoye, speaking against the backdrop of the crisis that erupted in Shasha Market in Akinyele Local Government Area and some other parts of the state, assured all residents, especially Northerners resident in the area, of a continued hospitality and safety in the state.
Oba Adetunji expressed gratitude to the organizers of the two events, chiefs, dignitaries and others present for the honour accorded him, praying that Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria, as a whole will continue to witness more peace and harmony in the years ahead.
