Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday said that his government would not deprive traditional rulers in the state of their entitlements.
The governor made this statement at the grand finale of the 2025 Ibadan Cultural Festival, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Liberty Stadium in Oke Ado, Ibadan.
The governor, who stated that the Council of Obas and Chiefs had been in abeyance prior to his assumption of office in 2019, added that traditional rulers would begin to receive their due, including official vehicles, as soon as the council is constituted.
He added that he had mandated all the eleven local government councils in Ibadanland to provide a befitting fleet of vehicles for the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, before the end of May.
Governor Makinde thanked the people of Oyo State for supporting his government, as well as the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) for the recognition award given to Senator Douye Diri, the Governor of Bayelsa State.
Makinde said, “I want to thank the CCII for recognising my brother-colleague. I only have one thing to say, which you can take home.
“People have been asking me what is happening to the Oyo State Council of Traditional Rulers, but I said there was no Council before I came in. The Speaker is here, they could not put together the Council.
“They have also been asking why we have not given a vehicle befitting the status of the Olubadan of Ibadanland to him.
“I have sent a message to the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland and I said they must provide a befitting fleet of vehicles for the Olubadan, and they must do it before the end of this month.
“Once they put together the Council of Obas and Chiefs in Oyo State, then the state will give what is due to all the traditional rulers.”
Responding, after receiving the award of Outstanding Friend of Ibadanland, the governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, who commended Governor Makinde for his unprecedented performances and for making the people of the state happy, thanked the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes for recognising his efforts.
While stressing that governance is about the people, he urged them to continue to support Governor Makinde to develop the state.
The Bayelsa State governor said, “We are indeed very elated to stand before you, the people of Ibadan. We never saw this coming.
“We want to on behalf of the government and the good people of Bayelsa State, express our appreciation to you, particularly to my very good and workaholic friend, who is the governor of this state, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
“Government is about the people, and I believe that Governor Makinde is working well and the people are rejoicing. My Bible tells me that when good people rule, the people rejoice.
“From the depth of our hearts, we appreciate what has happened here. Before we came here, we had no idea this would be such a great event.
“We all know that the governor is working towards the development of this state. So, continue to support him.”
Presenting the award earlier, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was represented by Oba Rasidi Ladoja, who said the award was in recognition of Senator Diri’s outstanding support, inclusive leadership, and contributions to the Ibadan Indigenes in Bayelsa State.
Also, the Chairman of the event, Architect Bamidele Samson, Chairman of BOVAS Oil and Gas, urged all Ibadan people always to exhibit the use of the Yoruba language, culture, and religion in promoting tradition and cultural heritage.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee for the Ibadan Cultural Festival, Chief Abiola Alli, thanked all stakeholders for their contributions and performances since the week began.
Delivering his remarks, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Sulaimon Ajewole lauded Governor Makinde’s unflinching support to the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ibadanland and Oyo State in general.
He also thanked all Ibadan indigenes, both at home and abroad, for their multifaceted support towards the success of the event.
