“Stay Away From Politics” – Oyo Gov tells Traditional Rulers As New Olubadan Receive Staff of Office

By Daniel Ayantoye | Ibadan

The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has advised transitional rulers stay away from participating in politics and focus on upholding the traditional institutions they represent.

Makinde said this during the coronation ceremony of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan Land Oba Lekan Balogun held at Mapo, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to him, traditional rulers are custodian of culture as such should protect the institution against politicians who may through policies want to destroy the age-old traditions.

He said, “Sometimes to satisfy our political will, we make decisions that does not protect our traditional institutions.

“But this is why the custodians of our culture must always make a stand against all politicians fingering with age old traditional system.

“If we are into politics, you that are custodian of our traditional system should not be in politics.

While Congratulating the newly installed Olubadan, the Governor enjoined the Olubadan-In-Council to ensure that they remain self-regulated without interference from politicians.

“Our elders, the members of the various councils, the chiefs our traditional fathers, you are the gate keepers and you must remain steadfast in that goal. Remember no politician, no matter how highly placed can destroy any system without the cooperation of some members of this systems. Therefore I want to use this opportunity to ask the kabiyesi, and the Olubadan in Council that you work to ensure that laws attached to the thrown of the Olubadan to remain sacrosanct. If there are to be any amendment they should be self conceived. The Olubadan Councils should remain self-regulated without any external interference from the political class.

“I joined the Oyo State Government, the sons and daughters of Ibadan Land and the good people of Oyo State to wish his Imperial Magesty a long, peaceful and successful reign.”

Earlier, the Governor handed the staff of office to Oba Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan.

While delivering his maiden speech earlier, Oba Lekan Balogun promised not to let Ibadan down during his reign.

The ceremony was graced by Nigeria’s Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo and former Vice President Atiku Abubarkar.

Other dignitaries in attendance were the Ekiti State Governor who doubles as the Chairman of the Governor’s Forum Gov Kayode Fayemi, Gov Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Deputy Governor of Osun, Mr. Benedict Alabi and the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa.

Also at the event were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar; Olugbo of Ugbo Kingdom, Oba Fredrick Obateru Akinruntan; and Ambassador of Republic of China to Nigeria, Cui Jiauchun.

Others includes; the Olubaka of Okaland in Ondo State; Oba Yusuf Adeleye, Oluwo of Iwo land; the Ikere of Saki, Aseyin of Iseyin, former Governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan, Chief Rasidi Ladoja and a former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Femi Pedro were also present.

The ceremony was officially declared open at exactly 11.14am with the recitation of the National Anthem, Oyo State Anthem as well as Ibadan Anthem.

The opening prayers were said by Christians, Muslims and the traditional prayer by the Araba Awo of Ibadanland.

Colourful presentation of Moshood Ayanyemi, Atookowagbowo led other Ibadan drummers and Fuji Musician Taiye Currency spiced the event.