The Otun Balogun of Ibadan land, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abimbola Tajudeen Ajibola has described the new Olubadan palace, at Oke Aremo as a monumental achievement for the people of Ibadan.
In this exclusive interview with Oodua News, the Royal Father narrated how the story of the new palace schedule to be commissioned today, Wednesday July, 10 2024 by the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde started.
He also spoke on the coronation and official presentation of staff of office to the new Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin coming up on Friday July 12, 2024 at the ancient Mapo hall in Ibadan.
Excerpts:
The new Olubadan palace will be commissioned today Wednesday, July 10, 2024 by the Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde along side eminent personalities of Ibadan and across the country, would you like to share with us how the story started?
It is a success story indeed. The new Olubadan palace has been completed and ready for commissioning today. It is a project that started long ago. It is situated at Oke Aremo in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Ibadan. The aim is to have a world class and standard palace with state of the art facilities for our Olubadan in Ibadan land.
The Olubadan in the past used to rule from their private palace, later, a palace was built at Mapo, Ojo Oba. The Place has become saturated with many activities and people doing different kind of businesses and trades in the area, thus, making the area not conducive as Olubadan palace. At a point, the then Olubadan, This issue necessitated the new palace at Oke Aremo set for commissioning today.
It is the best palace anyone can think of even in Africa owing to the modern and state of the art facilities in the palace. It was constructed and build in the pattern and standard of Bulkimham palace in Europe. The new Olubadan would not need to take his property there, what he needs to take there would be his shoes and clothes, every other thing has been provided in the palace.
The palace has many apartments, Chalets, offices and sections for workers, members of Olubadan in Council, Security agents, domestic staff and others. it is a magnificent edifice and monument of high standards in Ibadan land. It was built in such manner that one cannot just come in and see the Olubadan, the visitors would have to go through several protocols starting from the reception before they are taken to where they will wait for the Olubadan. By this, the King will not be exposed to risk.
Can you tell us when exactly the construction of the palace started?
The construction of the palace started long ago even before the administration of late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi came on board. Governor Ajimobi’s administration did very well for the palace, he was very committed to realization of the palace. Also, Oba Olakulehin did very well in those days, he was always Championing the course of the project (Palace). I congratulate him for the success achieved. I am happy that he is going to be the first Olubadan to live in the palace, I commend and congratulate him.
I want to also thank the state governor Engr Seyi Makinde for success of the palace who after assumption of office as governor took up the project all over and ensure the completion during his administration. This is a good record and land mark achievements for him. The commissioning of the palace is to the glory of his administration, history will not forget him because is it on record. The development is historical.
I also congratulate the Olubadan in Council, all the elders, sons and daughters of Ibadan land, the achievements is worth celebrating. The occasion will have dignitaries, the presidency, governors from other states and well meaning Nigeria at the commissioning of the edifice. I congratute myself too for being alive to witness the day .
This Friday July 12, 2024 is the coronation and official presentation of staff of office to the new Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, what is your advice for the monarch?
Oba Olakulehin is a man with a good heart, and a very sincere and honest man. He is not corrupt, neither does he take nonsense. Ibadan People are expecting him to rule in fairness and the fear of God, and make his leadership open to all. Those he will employ to work with him should be people of integrity, starting from the Mogajis and other high ranking chiefs. They should be people of impeccable character and sterling qualities, so that Ibadan will record more progress in his reign. He needs to instill discipline in them and frown against corruption, so that they don’t put his reign into mess. I want him to maintain high level of discipline among his chiefs and others who are going to work with him .
There is no doubt that the nation is going through a trying period, with citizens suffering from hunger and abject poverty, what is your advise for President Bola Tinubu?
There is no other thing for him to do than to first address the issue of hunger and poverty in the land. Though, he is trying his best, but he needs to listen to the cry of the people. He should lift ban on restrictions of importation, excite duties, reduce tariffs and others to allow the economy flourish and make businesses thrive for the masses. He should work on price control and quality control in order to improve our economy.
After that, he should set up task force to monitor price control and quality control, if there is price control and quality control, this will improve our economy and address the issue of hunger and poverty in the land.
