Vice president Yemi Osin Bajo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar were among the notables honoring Olalekan Balogun’s installation as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday.
Governors Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun also attended; Vice Governors of Osun and Ondo, Benedict Alabi and Lucky Aiyedatiwa; the Alaafin of Oyo, Lamidi Adeyemi III; the Ooni of Ife, Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; Olugbo of the Ugbo Kingdom, Fredrick Akinruntan; and the Ambassador of the Republic of China in Nigeria, Cui Jiauchun.
Others were Yusuf Adeleye, the Olubaka of Okaland in Ondo State; Oluwo from Iwoland; Saki’s Ikere; and Aseyin from Iseyin.
Also present were the former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan, Rashidi Ladoja, and the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, who represented Bola Tinubu.
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that the program was officially declared open at exactly 11:14 am with the recitation of the National Anthem, Oyo State Anthem and Ibadan Anthem.
Opening prayers were said by Christians, Muslims and the traditional prayer by the Araba Awo of Ibadanland.
Additionally, Moshood Ayanyemi, Atookowagbowo, led other Ibadan drummers to welcome guests and supporters to the occasion in a traditional manner.
The 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland was driven to the spot at exactly 11:50 am, after which all the traditional chiefs, mogajis, religious leaders, leaders of various associations in Ibadanland paid homage to Mr. Balogun.
anxious iradan
Ibadan Indians, as well as residents and supporters, also flocked in the hundreds to Mapo Hall, the site of Olubadan’s installation ceremony.
NAN reports that many associations, in different outfits, were seen inside and outside the Mapo Hall venue, venue for the event, dancing to the indigenous music of Ibadanland.
At least four Yoruba musicians set up their stages to entertain the dignitaries and well-wishers on the occasion.
A visit to the Ali-Iwo Compound, where the new Olubadan hails from, shows that ceremonial activities had begun, as groups of women were seen singing praises to the Ali-Iwo Family.
HAPPENING NOW: Vice President Yemi Osinbajo arrives in Ibadan for the coronation of the new Olubadan of Ibadan, Oyo State. pic.twitter.com/txRb3vKIIh
— Yahaya Wada (@WadayahayaWada) March 11, 2022
Traditional drummers and native praise singers, with dozens of well-wishers, were also seen at different locations on Oje-Beere-Oja-Oba Road.
Meanwhile, there was a heavy deployment of security agents in some strategic places within the Metropolis, especially on the roads leading to the Mapo Hall area in Ibadan.
NAN correspondents, who monitored the situation, noted the presence of the Police, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), Operation Burst and Amotekun personnel in an attempt to prevent breaches of laws and orders. .
Additionally, officers from the Oyo State Fire Service were on site to deal with any fire incidents.
The main roads leading to Mapo Hall were blocked, while travelers had to walk some distances to reach their destination and the ceremony site.
NAN also observed the presence of traditional worshipers a few meters from the place singing, dancing and expressing joy at the ceremony.
(YAYA)