IBADAN, the Oyo State capital, practically stood still yesterday for Governor Abiola Ajimobi and his wife Florence as they were conferred with the traditional title of the Aare and Yeye Aare Atunluse ofIbadan land by the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Samuel Odulana (Odugade 1).
Governors, party leaders, captains of industry, royal fathers, family and friends also gathered at the palace of the Olubadan at Monatan area, Iwo Road and the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (formerly Liberty Stadium) to celebrate the honourees.
The couple was installed at about 12 noon with the monarch declaring that the Ajimobis were honoured because of their outstanding contributions to the state within two years of the current administration.
The eldest son of the monarch, Prof. Femi Lana, performed the installation on behalf of his father.
The city was set agog with several official cars lining the road in a convoy from the Agodi Government House through Iwo Road to Monatan.
The National Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Chief Bisi Akande and several top politicians including Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, former Ogun State Governor, Otunba Olusegun Osoba were at the event.
Others included, Chief Tom Ikimi; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Babatunde Akiolu; Olugbon of Ile-Igbon, Adegboyega Osunbade; former governor of Oyo State, Dr Omololu Olunloyo; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Abdul-Azeez Arisekola-Alao; Senator Ayoade Adeseun; Wife of the former governor of Lagos State, Senator Oluremi Tinubu while the governors of Kano, Niger, Cross Rivers, Plateau and Ogun States were represented.
Heads of military and para-military formations in Oyo State also graced the occasion.
Ajimobi said he accepted the honour in view of the monarch’s objective assessment of his performance as governor in the last two years.
He described the Olubadan as a highly revered and principled traditional ruler who would not dole out chieftaincy title to anybody who does not deserve it, no matter the person’s status in the society.
He pointed out he had been offered several chieftaincy titles which he had turned down.
The new Aare Atunluse said:” I have no choice than to accept this honour, coming from the highly revered royal father as the Olubadan.
“I know that he doesn’t just dole out chieftaincy titles anyhow. He is a man of no mean achievement and he is highly principled.
“He has done the sons and daughters of Ibadanland proud. I am, therefore, very pleased with this title.”
In her own remark, the new Yeye Aare Atunluse, Chief Florence Ajimobi, noted that the recognition will make her and his husband work harder.
She said:” I and my husband deserve this honour because he works tirelessly day and night for the development of this state.
“I really appreciate the Olubadan of Ibadanland for honouring us.”
Evangelist Ebenezer Fabiyi (Obey) and fuji Maestro, King Wasiu Ayinde ,mounted the band stand, dishing out thrilling songs to entertain guests.
Several important personalities, who spoke to reporters at the event, commended Ajimobi for the giant strides he has made to change the face of Oyo State in the last two years.
No comments:
Post a Comment