By Akinwande Soji-Ojo
The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Iwo Okunmade II, has said his dream is to make Ibadan the capital of Africa.
Speaking after receiving his staff of office from Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Friday, Oba Balogun said he wants to push Ibadan forward.
He said: “I call Ibadan the capital of Africa.I want the city to develop to the level where most people will call it the capital of Africa. Africa has no capital; every nation has its own capital but that is my dream for Ibadan.”
Oba Balogun promised not to let the people of Ibadan down.
Speaking, Makinde said Ibadan must uphold the age long tradition of succession plan the city was renowned for.
According to the governor, the succession plan made the ascension to the Olubadan throne unique, easy and peaceful.
“My father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun, climbed the 22 steps to become Olubadan.
“This is an age long tradition which we must uphold.Â
“We politicians make decisions to satisfy our political wits and we muat not allow our tradition to be destroyed because of politics.Â
“The laws to the ascension of Oubadan is sacrosanct and if there will be amendment, it should come from within. It should be conceived by the Olubadan-in-Council and not from outside,” Makinde said.
The governor congratulated Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad, and prayed that the reign of the monarch will be a peaceful and prosperous one.
In his address, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo lauded the unique system of ascension to the Olubadan throne.
He said the role of the traditional rulers in the society can’t be overlooked, noting that a society without a leader is bound to fail.
