From Taiwo Oluwadare, Ibadan
There was a huge crowd on Monday, December 19, 2016, as people from all walks of life converged on the palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, in Popo Yemoja, Ibadan, Oyo State, for the installations new traditional chiefs to vacant positions in the city.
As a result, there was massive turn out of the families, indigenes, friends, business associates and other sons and daughters of Ibadanland, as the human and vehicular movements along Idi-Arere, Isale Osi, Oja’ba, Oke Ado and Molete causing a serious gridlock almost throughout the day.
After being installed, the new Mogaji of Ile Olugbode, Ita Baale, Ibadan, Chief Teslim Olugbode, said: “I see the position as a privilege to add value to my people and the reason my family members, home and abroad were happy to nominate me as Mogaji of Olugbode in Ibadan. They see me as a patient son and worthwhile to fill the vacant position because I am considered a successful son who is well educated.
“I have right to Olubadan throne because my fore-fathers have occupied the position in the past when Ibadan’s supreme traditional leaders were known as only Baale.” He noted that families in Ibadan no longer use age to pick Mogaji: “Families in Ibadan now prefer to use youths to have privilege to mount the Olubadan throne.”
Also, the new Mogaji for Opopo Ile Osa, Ibadan, Chief Ibrahim Olu Ori Adeyemo Owo Nbuwo said: “I am happy to be installed as the new Mogaji. I wish to use my new office to improve on development of Ibadanland. I thank the Olubadan and Olubadan in Council for considering me for the position.
“I promise to uphold the culture and tradition of Ibadanland and make sure Ibadan is a better place. I don’t know why my family nominated me but they must have seen some outstanding qualities in me. I thank my family for the wonderful gesture and support.”
On the appropriate age for the Mogaji stool, he responded: “Only God can put a person in a position. I like the way the traditional institution in Ibadan is structured. It gives a sense of belonging to all indigenes hence, enhances peace and co-existence among all indigenes.”
Oba Adetunji congratulated the families on the choice of the Mogajis as their new representatives. He admonished the new Mogajis to be loyal, submissive, supportive and act on interest of their family members.