History was indeed made
Oba Adeunji’s coronation was indeed a historic event. First it was between Kabiyesi and the Oluwo, Alhaji Mosadogun. It happened that when Kabiyesi was installed as Mogaji (which is the very first step for any aspiring Olubadan) in 1976, Alhaji Popoola Mosadogun decorated him with the akoko leaves. Forty years later, his son performed the same feat when Saliu Adetunji ascended the throne as Olubadan. The second part lies with Governor Ajimobi, who made history as the first Ibadan-born governor to present the staff of office to the Olubadan. Trust Governor to do an overkill when it comes to making speeches, he added that it is the first time the son of a tailor would present the staff of office to a tailor who became the Olubadan.
The event also marked the first time the Oyo State anthem, an Ajimobi initiative would be sung at a public function.
Alaafin of Oyo, The Surprise Visitor!
New things are indeed happening in Yorubaland. No one would have thought His Royal Majesty; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi would attend the coronation. One of the comperes had even insinuated that Iku Baba Yeye was outside the country. The Alaafin however put aside all differences he had with past Olubadans as he graced the event. His son, Honourable Akeem Adeyemi was also present. It was also good seeing him sit close by Otunba Alao-Akala.
The Ibadan in Oba Akiolu!
In his maiden address, Oba Adetunji dropped a bombshell. Nay, not his call for Ibadan State or an international airport. He insinuated that the Oba of Lagos actually has Ibadan blood in his veins.
Speaking on the Alaafin, Oba Adetunji pointed out that when he became Mogaji in 1976, one of his artistes, S. Aka waxed a record for the Alaafin.
On Oba Akiolu, he said "I have known him since his days as a policeman. He was born to an Ibadan father and a Lagosian mother. Abi we no puro ni ?" (Or am I lying?
With Love From Brother Obas
Obas from all over Yorubaland and beyond were there to show their support and love. Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo arrived early, just like the Alaafin of Oyo. We also saw “Oba Jigi Aye”, Alhaji Ibrahim Zulu Gambari, the Emir of Ilorin. The Ooni of Ife oozed class. Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi came with a retinue of aides, with some of them bearing half shaved heads, typical of some Ife chiefs and royal guards. The Olowo Eko, Oba Rilwan Akiolu too was there in his royal splendour.
Ayo
Governor Fayose sure knows when to pull his casual dress stunts. He attended the Olubadan’s coronation in a well cut and embroidered brown aso oke agabada with kembe trousers to match. He looked distinguished and when he was officially introduced, he received the loudest ovation. His dressing earned him second and third looks. Meanwhile, we can tell you for free that “Oshokomale”, as Fayose is fondly called, was born and bred in Ibadan. He is as good as any Ibadan indigene.
Tinubu and Fayose: A Political Lesson
Though they didn’t say a word of it to anyone, former Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Governor Ayodele Fayose jointly delivered a silent political lecture, especially to those who have become enemies on account of politics; those who have named each other “wailers” and “e-rats”. As Tinubu walked into the VIP section, he saw Fayose, he stopped, shook hands with him and both hugged like old pals. They even spoke for a short while afterwards.
Rashidi Ladoja; Still Well Loved
The coronation was more or less the Osi Olubadan, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja’s first appearance since the announcement of the choice of the new Olubadan. He had been absent from most of the other functions. It took his introduction at Mapo to confirm that Ladoja would still pass a popularity test in Ibadan. For his dear wife too, it was “the return of Mutiat Olayinka Ladoja”.
Who
Apart from being old students of Government College Ibadan, one other thing unites Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo and Professor Wole Soyinka, they say things as they are. Those in the know say Dr. Olunloyo and Governor Ajimobi have issues to resolve.
Some said their relationship has been frosty since the demise of the Governor’s mum years ago. One thing is sure, “good Old Victor” is not a man given to frivolities and apart from being a former Governor himself, he belongs to a class of respectable Ibadan men.
Chief Adebayo Akande and Wife, Ever Supportive …
Chief Adebayo Akande and his wife, Onikepo stood by the Olubadan. They were highly visible at the Oluwo’s compound where Kabiyesi was decorated with the traditional akoko leaves signaling his official crowning as the Olubadan.
High Chief Akande is also on the Otun line, while his wife belongs to the Iyalode class of chiefs.
Dr. K.K Oloso… The Quintessential Islamic Scholar!
When Dr.Kamil Koyejo Oloso was called to conduct the opening prayer, not a few people wondered where the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh Agbotomokekere was. The conlusion reached was that since the event started around the time for Juma’at service, the Chief Imam would probably be at the Central Mosque leading prayers.
It happened that Dr. Oloso chose to recite verses of the Qur’an from his phone and just as those nearby were starting to agree that the famed scholar has finally embraced the digital age, his voice and the way he rendered the verses betrayed him as someone who learnt Arabic in the days when slates were being used. One could almost pick the Ibadan intonation in his delivery.
Did You See Aregbesola Dance?
When the Governor of the State of Osun was introduced, K1 decided to put the usual musical effect. Of course, when Aregbesola heard the special number "ijaya gbogbo ilu Osun", though reluctant, he was ready to shake to the beat. He was still waving when Yanju Adegbite cut him short by saying, "Wasiu, please... Because of time, please". Trust politically minded people outside the VIP section, they asked, "why is he dancing?"
Major Flaws of The Event
The event was not without some flaws too, though they were not enough to take the shine off the programme. While trying not to run into protocol problems, Yanju Adegbite eventually forgot to recognize and introduce Chief Moses Alake Adeyemo, the Deputy Governor of Oyo State. He was however reminded after he had introced the Speaker of the Oyo House of Assembly and had gone as far as the former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola.
Organization was also below expectation. Top rated monarchs, including the Sultan, the Ooni and Alaafin had to be relocated to more comfortable seats.
No provision was made for the two oloris to sit. One had to make do w ith a little space near PBA Adetunji.
On his return from the Oluwo's compound, the Olubadan had to wait for about forty minutes before he could access his throne!
Overzealous security operatives had a field day roughhandling journalists.
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