The Olubadan First Coronation Anniversary Planning Committee has unveiled the programme of events marking the first coronation anniversary of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun CFR, Alli Okunmade II.
Oba Balogun became the 42nd Olubadan on March 11, 2022 after the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso I.
The coronation anniversary planning committee is headed by Professor Oladapo Afolabi, a former Head of Service (HoS).
Other members included Professor Soji Adejumo, Osi Aare Ona Kakanfo of Yorubaland, Chief Gani Kayode Balogun (GKB) and Mr Dele Ogunsola.
Addressing the press at the Alarere residence of the Olubadan, the coronation anniversary planning committee said the delay in celebrating the first anniversary behind schedule was caused by the last general election and other factors.
Ogunsola, who is the Personal Assistant (Media) to the Olubadan, said the coronation anniversary celebration will commence tomorrow (Thursday) with a symposium.
The symposium is titled Ibadan: Treasure Of The Last Empire And Challenges Of Urban Development. It will be delivered by Mogaji (Professor) Aderemi Raji-Oyelade at the Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.
Thereafter, a compendium specially packaged for the anniversary will be launched.
“On Friday, 4 August, there would be conferment of honourary chieftaincy titles on three illustrious sons of the land namely, Professor Soji Adejumo, Barrister Bolaji Ayorinde SAN and Alhaji Adebayo Aruna.
“After this, a special Jumat Service holds at the Central Mosque, Oja’ba, while the reception party holds the following day, Saturday, at Jogor Centre, Obafemi Awolowo Stadium Way, Oke-Ado.
“On Sunday, 6 August which is the final day, a thanksgiving service holds at The Cathedral of St. James The Great, Oke-Bola, Ibadan,” Ogunsola said.
The coronation anniversary planning committee also spoke on the achievements of the Ibadan foremost traditional ruler in the last one year.
“In the last one year, kabiyesi has brought honours to Ibadanland as the first Olubadan in history to become a university chancellor.
“This is by his appointment as the Chancellor of Sa’datu Rimi University of Education in far-away Kano State.
“He is also the second Olubadan to receive a national honour of Commander of the Order of Federal Republic (CFR).
“The recent elevation of the members of Olubadan Advisory Council, hitherto addressed as high chiefs, to beaded crown-wearing obas as royal majesties was another of kabiyesi’s firsts in Ibadan history.
“Today, under his watch, the Ibadan traditional system is now composed of obas,” Ogunsola added.
The coronation anniversary planning committee said Ibadanland has been relatively peaceful in the last one year with reduction in the activities of the hoodlums who make life unbearable for residents of some areas.
It said the reduction in such crimes as robbery or other violence acts instigated by intake of alcohol and drugs “cannot be divorced from the proactiveness of the traditional compound heads known as mogajis.
“The mogajis are constantly reminded by kabiyesi not only to watch over their compounds, but also attend to the needs of the jobless adults whose hands become the devil’s workshop out of idleness in their own little ways.
“We must give kudos to our security agents in this regard for being up and doing. They have been very committed to their core mandates of securing lives and property.”
The anniversary planning committee also said the intervention of Oba Balogun in maintaining peace in Ibadanland in the last one year has been very noticeable.
The committee added that the intervention has been acknowledged in the war against land-grabbing and dispute arising from selling of land to multiple persons.
The coronation anniversary planning committee, however, acknowledged that the achievements of the Olubadan were not singular efforts but made possible with the support of all critical stakeholders.
The stakeholders, the committee said, included the Oyo State government, members of the Olubadan Advisory Council, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), some individuals, at home and abroad and his members of family, immediate and extended.
“On his behalf, we say a very big thank you to all of you with a request that you should not relent, bearing in mind that whatever you do for Kabiyesi, you have done it for Ibadanland,” Ogunsola said.
The coronation anniversary planning committee also gave kudos to the media for their constant support, devotion and dedication to the cause of Oba Lekan Balogun.
“You have made Kabiyesi happy and he is very proud of you as he sends you prayer that happiness will not depart from your respective lives,” he said.
Packaged by Alice Egbedele
