Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, at the weekend, flayed Ibadan indigenes for their “failure” to raise N400 million for the completion of the Olubadan palace.
According to him, besides the city deserving a befitting palace because of its status, the Olubadan needed a dignifying palace.
He spoke at the grand finale of the Ibadan cultural festival at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, where prominent indigenes including a retired permanent secretary and former mayor of Ibadan Municipal government, Chief John Onaola Ajibola, were honoured.
The governor said: “That Ibadan indigenes cannot raise the N400million fund needed for the befitting palace is a thing of shame.
”I know of some towns that are smaller,but their monarchs’ palaces are far more befitting.
“Yet these towns are not up to a quarter of Ibadan. So, I am challenging all of you to donate towards the realisation of the N400million to ensure that Ibadan builds a befitting palace for its monarch.”
At the event were prominent indigenes including the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, members of the Olubadan in Council, Chief Adebayo Akande, who chaired the event, the Chairman of the Ibadan Cultural Festival 2017, Princess Olaide Salawu, President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Wole Akinwande, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states Dawud Akinola and the Chairman of Ibadan Elders Forum (IEF), Ambassador Olu Sanu.
Others are former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Sarafadeen Ali, Dr Lekan Are, Chairman, Olubadan Advisory Council, Prof Taoreed Adedoja, Oloye Lekan Alabi and the Leader of Igbo community in Ibadan, Alex Anozie.
Ajibola described the recognition as a call to service to fatherland and urged all to do their utmost best to contribute to the growth of Ibadanland.
Ajimobi also urged the indigenes to fight corruption, poverty, thuggery and blood shedding,
He explained that development could only be achieved if the city is peaceful and clean.
“We need to foster trade and commerce by investing in the cleanliness of Ibadan .
“We need to join hands to build a clean environment.”
Princess Salawu urged indigenes to strive for its growth and development .
Credit: City Mirror News
