Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was on Friday crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, as he was presented the instrument of office Governor Seyi Makinde.
The coronation ceremony of the monarch was held on Friday at the Labosinde compound, the family whose right is to crown any Olubadan of Ibadanland.
But he was presented the staff of office by Makinde at the Mapo Hall on Friday.
At the event were the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja; Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, who represented President Bola Tinubu and the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun.
Also present were the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar and others.
The seat became vacant after the demise of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his forefathers at the age of 81 after ruling for two years.
In his address, Makinde charged the new Ibadan traditional ruler to use the position for the upliftment and progress of Ibadanland.
He promised that his administration would continue to promote traditional institutions, while congratulating the entire Ibadan people for a successful enthronement of the new Olubadan.
The Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, who represented President Bola Tinubu, implored Oba Olakulehin to uphold the tradition and values that had made Ibadan a symbol of resilience and progress.
“As we look to the future, we acknowledge that there are challenges ahead but I am surely convinced that we can overcome these challenges with your majesty’s leadership quality, cooperation of all chiefs and the people.
“Let us not forget to live in unity, tolerance, mutual respect for one another and let us continue to strive for peace and understanding among ourselves so that Ibadan would continue to blossom,” Adelabu stated.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olakulehin thanked sons and daughters of Ibadanland for supporting his enthronement.
He pledged to rule the ancient city in a way that would fast-track more development.
Olakulehin equally appreciated the federal and state governments for their contributions toward the success of the coronation.