Oyo @50: Alaafin, Soun, Senators, Others Shun Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State was characterised by pomp and celebration, but the absence of several prominent traditional and political figures stood out at the event.
Notably missing were two first-class monarchs in the state, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade and the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye. Seats reserved for the monarchs, placed beside that of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, remained vacant throughout the ceremony.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, a former democratically elected governor of the state, presided over the traditional council segment of the programme and delivered remarks in his capacity as Chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs.
Also absent were former First Ladies of the state, including Mrs Florence Ajimobi, the immediate past First Lady, and Mrs Kemi Alao-Akala. Seats designated for the former First Ladies were left unoccupied during the opening ceremony.
Similarly, the three senators representing Oyo State on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Fatai Buhari (Oyo North), Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central) and Senator Sarafadeen Alli (Oyo South), were not in attendance.
Members of the House of Representatives from the state elected under the APC also stayed away from the event.
Observers noted that milestone celebrations such as a Golden Jubilee are traditionally expected to promote unity, inclusiveness and collective reflection, bringing together leaders and stakeholders across political, ethnic and ideological divides.
Abiodun Ogunrinde is a Linguist and Journalist with considerable years of experience in Print Journalism. He blends creativity with a sense of reporting that addresses public concern and human interests.
