Despite the torrential rains, dignitaries and residents of Ibadanland yesterday turned out in large number to witness and participate in the inauguration of the ultramodern palace for the Olubadan.
Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Chief Bode Amao and 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.
History is being made with the inauguration of the new palace. Before now, former Olubadans ruled the city from their homes. Oba Olakulehin will become the first Olubadan to rule Ibadan land from the city’s palace.
The Nation reports that the Olubadan-designate has been in seclusion ahead of Friday’s coronation as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
A former governor of the state, who is also a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, was absent at the event.
The new structure is located at Oke Aremo area of the capital city.
The project was started almost a decade ago.
Oba Olakulehin will be the first Olubadan to live in the palace, as plans have been concluded for him to move into the edifice immediate after his coronation on Friday.
Speaking at the inauguration, Governor Makinde thanked every indigene who had contributed to make the project a reality.
Particularly, he thanked his predecessor, the late former governor Abiola Ajimobi for what he described as taking the bold step that set the project in motion.
He said the second phase of the palace project would see the renovation of the Bowers Tower, to attract tourists to visit the palace and the state, adding that he would expand the economy of the state through tourism.
He said 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.
The Olubadan-designate said the idea of the palace was conceived nine years ago during the tenure of former governor Ajimobi.
He noted that ex-governor Ladoja gave approval of the allocation of land for the palace.
He said the story of the palace will not be complete without appreciating the efforts of Governor Makinde.
Some of the dignitaries who attended the event include the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Secretary to State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by his deputy, among other top government functionaries.
