OLUBADAN PALACE: The renaissance of dashed hope By Akeem Ademola Ige
For years, the hope of illustrious sons and daughters of Ibadan under Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) on new Olubadan is dashed and pessimistic about its completion. The project which has been on the centre of Ibadan at Agala record neither intervention nor development until Gov. Seyi Makinde’s magic wand.
It’s nothing but absurd to Ibadans for not having permanent if not substantive palace in spite of our most organised traditional institution, cultural heritage, civility and larger population. It’s not befitting a king to be cruising with his leg. Is it because of unavailability of horse or what?
Those ascending the revered throne of Olubadan might have chosen to be taking the crown to the family compounds because of the absence of a befitting indigenous Palace. This is not confusing. Nobody will tell you what befits you. The late Olubadans have chosen to situated their domains where it’s convenient.
However, the story was changed on the inception of Gov. Makinde’s administration as he vowed to promote our traditional institution to the best in Nigeria. It’s no doubt his achievements on this project had manifested. Taking it from promotion of some indigenous Baales to Obas which putting our Olubadan in zenith among the Kings in Nigeria. Our own Olubadan is now His Imperial Majesty. It’s not a news anymore.
The Olubadan Palace left uncompleted has been upgraded, furbished and completely completed through the aid and unwavering support of Gov. Seyi Makinde and eleven(11) local government areas in Ibadan with several millions to the tune of eight hundred and fifty million naira. What a commendable stride!
It was confirmed by the previous CCII President-General that Seyi Makinde was the highest donor to the Ibadan developmental projects both in cash and kind even before he became the governor.
Posterity will remember Makinde for good, he has written his name with golden ink and his legacy of accelerated development will remain unforgettable.