OYO State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has ascribed the elevation of the High Chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-in-Council and 13 Baales in Ibadanland to the position of Obas to the need to reposition Ibadan Chieftaincy institution.
He made the disclosure in his address during the coronation of the new Obas in Ibadanland, at the historical and symbolic Mapo Hall, Ibadan, on Sunday.
His words: “I stand before you today overwhelmed by a deep sense of history, a deep sense of culture, a deep sense of tradition. Today, the 27th of August 2017 indeed marks a turning point in the history and cultural heritage of Ibadanland.
“It is a day that great sons and daughters of Ibadanland have come together with a strong sense of patriotism, assembled in the historical, cultural and symbolic Mapo Hall to elevate, to uplift, to transform, to reposition the Chieftaincy Institution of Ibadanland. Our resolve to reposition the Ibadan Chieftaincy institution is substantiated by the words of the famous author, Henry James when he said “A tradition is kept alive only by something being added to it.
“I am therefore highly delighted to be here at this momentous occasion where history is being made in Ibadanland.
“Today, we are all gathered to witness the Crowning ceremony, Presentation of Certificates and Staff of Office to the High Chiefs who are members of the Olubadan – in Council and Thirteen (13) Baales in Ibadanland who have been elevated to the position of Obas.
“This is an epoch making event in the annals of the history of Ibadanland and a practical demonstration of our administration’s commitment to the enhancement of dignity and honour of the Chieftaincy Institution in Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.”
