As we officially witness the installation and coronation of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, 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.
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