Ajimobi settles rift with Olubadan as monarch celebrates 90th birthday

Wednesday, 15 August 2018 06:02

Ajimobi settles rift with Olubadan as monarch celebrates 90th birthday

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Funmi Olaitan, Ibadan

The face-off between Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Saliu Adetunji, over the elevation of some Ibadan High Chiefs and Baales in the ancient city to Obaship status, may have come to an end, as the governor is set to grace the 90th birthday of the Olubadan, which will commence on Sunday.

It will be recalled that the Olubadan had few days ago made peace with the High Chiefs, who he equally had a face - off with him since their elevation to Obaship status in August, 2017.

The Chairman of the Olubadan's 90th birthday planning committee, Taoheed Adedoja, while addressing journalists in Ibadan on Tuesday, on activities for the celebration, said Ajimobi will participate actively in all the activities .

Adedoja during the press conference, which is part of activities lined up for the Olubadan's 90th birthday at the Popoyemoja, Ibadan palace and flanked by other members of the committee, stated that Ajimobi will be among the special guests expected to grace the ceremony.

He said, "Governor Ajimobi is giving full moral and financial support to the the Olubadan's 90th birthday. He is playing the role as the governor of Oyo state; he is playing the role as a son to the Olubadan; he is playing the role as a true son of Ibadanland. He is the Aare of Ibadanland".

Meanwhile, the Olubadan has declared that he will use his 90th "birthday anniversary to celebrate Ibadan and its diverse people and pray for the unity and stability of Nigeria".

Adedoja who revealed that the Olubadan made this promise while inaugurating the birthday planning committee three weeks ago, said the paramount ruler acknowledged that to live long is not a right but a privilege .

Part of activities lined up for the 8-day birthday celebration include an interdenominational Christian service; homages to the Olubadan; life tributes to the Olubadan; film show; royal walk; public lecture; medical outreach; visits to orphanages and charity homes; conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles to deserving persons; special prayers by Imams and Alfas and birthday receptions to be held simultaneously at the palace and the International Conference Centre of the University of Ibadan.

Adedoja disclosed that not less than 9,300 dignitaries from within and outside Nigeria have signified their intention to grace the birthday ceremony of the first class monarch.