Since the coronation of the Olubadan, I have come across various comments and reactions about the age and appearance of the Olubadan of Ibadan land. It is a common sentiment among both indigenous and non-indigenous people of Ibadan and Nigeria whenever a new Olubadan is crowned. What made this particular instance notable was the controversy that arose before the Governor eventually approved the nomination of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, particularly regarding the state of health of our revered King.
There is never a king too old for the imperial throne of Ibadan land, and there will never be one. The popular saying, “bi Olubadan ba wo nicker, kii se egbe baba eni kan kan,” reminds us of the longstanding influence, reverence, wisdom, knowledge, and prestige associated with the throne.
This brings to mind a comment by the Vice President of Nigeria, Sen. Kashim Shettima, at the Northern Security Summit. Addressing the Deputy Governor of Sokoto State on the controversy surrounding the dethronement of the Sultan of Sokoto. This inspired my remark on the significance of the Olubadan: “The Olubadan is the Olubadan of Ibadan Land, but the Olubadan represents much more than that. He is an institution that all of us in Ibadan, the entire Yoruba land, and Nigeria must jealously guard, protect, preserve, and project for the growth of our nation.”
Ibadan’s heterogeneity includes the entire Yoruba subgroups and families with ancestry from beyond the Niger, whose ancestors migrated to build a city-state more powerful than any other in contemporary history.
The Olubadan institution has always been envied as an entity built and protected by powerful Ibadan chiefs and nobles, including the Olubadan in Council, the Balogun Chiefs, the Otun Chiefs, the Iyalode Chiefs, and the Mogajis of Ibadan land. This institution empowers each chief as a lord of his domain and an influential figure in his community.
The Olubadan’s power is strengthened by subordinate chiefs who act in his interest and total submission as the imperial ruler of the largest city in the entire country and region. The Olubadan’s strength is not measured by how many social events he attends or how often he leaves the palace to visit politicians. Instead, the Olubadan is a prestigious figure who commands pride, power, respect, and loyalty.
o reiterate, there is never an Olubadan too old for the throne.
Oloye Olajuwon Enitan Subair-Adelokun
Anlugbua
Mogaji of Ile Nla, Oopo Labiran.
Ibadan Land.
No comments:
Post a Comment