Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; a former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, and other prominent Nigerians are among thousands of personalities who grace the installation of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Mashod Lekan Balogun in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on Friday..
Prominent traditional rulers from the six states that make up southwest Nigeria are also in Ibadan for the coronation rites.
Balogun succeeds the 41st Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, who joined his ancestors on Sunday, 2nd January this year.
The Mapo Hall arcade which had plays host to several historical events in Ibadan was filled to the brim.
Apart from Osinbajo and Atiku, Governor Seyi Makinde was also at the venue.
Others are Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; and Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiy Adekunle; The Polytechnic Ibadan, Rector, Professor Kazeem Adebiyi; Ibadan High Chiefs, Mogajis, Baales among others are also at the venue.
Meanwhile, the newly installed 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland assured the people of Ibadan and Nigeria in general that he would not let them down.
Balogun made the pledge in his first public speech shortly after Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presented the Staff of Office and Instrument of Office to him as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, NAN reports.
The new Olubadan said: “I want to assure all that I will not let the people of Ibadan down. I will not let the people of Nigeria down.”
The traditional ruler, however, thanked all the eminent personalities, including the traditional rulers, the serving and former governors and National Assembly members present for the honour done him by their presence.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme was officially declared open at exactly 11.14 a.m with the recitation of the National Anthem, Oyo State Anthem as well as Ibadan Anthem.
The opening prayers were said by Christians, Muslims and the traditional prayer by the Araba Awo of Ibadanland.
However, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland was ushered into the venue at exactly 11.50 a.m, after which all the traditional chiefs, Mogajis, religious leaders, leaders of various associations in Ibadanland paid homage to Oba Balogun.
