Despite the torrential rain, dignitaries, residents of Ibadanland on Wednesday turned out in large number to witness and participate at the commissioning of the ultra-modern palace for the Olubadan.
Governor Seyi Makinde, 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.
The Nation reports that the Olubadan-designate has been in seclusion ahead of the Friday coronation as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Former Oyo Governor, who is also a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Senator Rashidi Ladoja was absent at the event.
The new structure is the second but newest modern Palace to be inhabited by the Olubadan located at the Oke Aremo area of the capital city.
The completion of the project and its official commissioning brings to an end the project that started almost a decade ago.
Oba Olakulehin will be the first Olubadan to reside in the palace as plans have been concluded for him to move into the property immediately after his coronation on Friday.
The Nation reports that the first ultra-modern Olubadan Palace situated at Oja’ba was constructed and commissioned over four decades ago.
However, lack of space and other logistical challenges necessitated the construction of another Palace which was hugely facilitated by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII).
Speaking at the Commissioning, Makinde thanked every indigene who had contributed to making the project a reality.
He thanked his predecessor in office, late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi for taking the bold step that set the project in motion.
He said the second phase of the palace project will see to the renovation of the Bowers Tower, to attract tourists to visit the palace and the state, adding that he will expand the economy of the state through tourism
He added that 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.
Makinde said: “This palace, we have put in place a maintenance system because what usually affects projects like this is poor maintenance and we have asked the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland to bring something every month to maintain the palace.
“The nearby Bowers Tower, we will fix it because tourism is one of the things we would use to expand our economy and that will be part of the second phase of this project.
“I thank all those who have put in efforts that culminate in this palace today, but there are two people I want to thank specifically for their roles and effort in the actualization this project.
“First, I want to thank my predecessor in office, late former governor Abiola Ajimobi. He was bold in his action by kickstarting the process.
“The second person I want to thank is Chief Bode Amao. He contributed so much in all areas and I recognize that he is an asset to Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole.
“For all Ibadan indigenes who contributed to the success and actualisation of this project, I thank you all.
Oba Olakulehin said the idea of the palace was conceived nine years ago during the time of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Olakulehin, who was represented by Oba Lateef Adebimpe, noted that former Governor Rashidi Ladoja gave approval for the allocation of land for the Palace.
He said the story of the palace will not be complete without appreciating the effort of Governor Makinde, adding that Ibadan will remain grateful for the effort of the governor towards the completion of the project.
He however said no palace in Southwest can compete with the newly commissioned palace
Some of the dignitaries who attended the event include: Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; Secretary to State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; and Oyo Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin who was represented by his Deputy among other top government functionaries.
The list also includes Ex-First Lady, Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor, Hazeem Gbolarunmi; Chief Adebayo Akande and his wife, Chief Mrs. Onikepo, former and serving Presidents General of the CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, Senator Kola Baolgun, former Minister of Sports, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, among others.
