The Otun Apesinola of Ibadanland and Chairman, Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort on Friday, Mogaji Dotun Sanusi said Ibadan Mogajis, Baales and market men and women are happy with the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for approving the request of Olubadan-In-Council to allow for the High Chiefs to wear beaded crowns.
The billionaire businessman and foremost philanthropist in the State said the Governor has etched out his name in gold for the great honour accorded Ibadan Traditional institution.
He said under the current Governor Seyi Makinde, Ibadan is progressing and wearing new look amidst expanding population and economic advancement of its main and less cities.
On Friday, 10 of the 11 High Chiefs of the city were crowned by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun at a colorful ceremony held at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
A number of prominent dignitaries and Yoruba Obas attended the event including the State Governor who was the special guest of Honour; his deputy, frontline politicians in the State; Captains of Industries, Oluwo of Iwoland, Ona Andulrasheed Akanbi, Olugbon of Ile Igbon and the leaders and members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
According to Sanusi, who spoke to journalists on the sideline of the event, “As for our fathers that are being crowned today, I can boldly say that majority of the Mogajis, market men and women and vast majority of indigenes of Ibadan are so happy for them.
“This is what we have been waiting for. We thank God it comes to reality during the time of the current Olubadan and our dear governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
“Ibadan is progressing and we believe this is the time that God bath ordained. After today, there will be more developments across our land and everything will be very fine.
“This is a new dawn and you can see that all the traditional heads come together under the umbrella of Olubadan.
“All the Mogajis and Baales in the Eleven Local Governments are together. You can no longer be a Mogaji or Baale and you'll be staying in the US, if you don't have any contribution to show to the development of your community, Ibadan and the entire Oyo State, you can't be crowned.
“This is not possible under the watch of Engr. Seyi Makinde as he has streamlined everything. The era of being outside of your community as a traditional ruler is over.
“If you come to EgbedaOna-Ara, we have Oba Tajudeen Ajibola as a crowned royal head. If he (Oba Ajibola) had not contributed immensely, he wouldn't have been crowned. It was on merit!
“This is a new Ibadan and Oyo State! We are ready for the next level and Omititun 2.0.
“Your contribution to the development of Ibadan is key.
You have to show why you merit your chieftaincy title in Ibadan, henceforth.
“The Olubadan is the one crowning all the High Chiefs unlike the 2017 episode under the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
“What His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde did was just to endorse the request of the Olubadan for his High Chiefs to wear beaded crowns.
“The question to ask ourselves are: Is this development going to bring development to Ibadan? The answer is an emphatic Yes!
“Is it good for our city, Yes!”, Dotun Sanusi added.
