Olufemi Atoyebi

The Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, will today (Friday) present the staff of office to High Chief Saliu Adetunji as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, at the famous Mapo Hall, in the ancient city.

The ceremony is expected to be witnessed by dignitaries from all walks of life, including President Mohammadu Buhari.


Many would believe that Adetunji’s ascension to the throne, coming 45 days after the demise of the former Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, can aptly be described as an act of God.



Going by the Olubadan succession system, which recognises the civil and the military lines as royal lines, and the hierarchy within the Olubadan-in-Council, Adetunji’s right to the throne would have materialised only after the reigns of the former Balogun Olubadan, High Chief Sulaiman Omiyale, and the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Omowale Kuye, if they had all lived long enough to mount the throne.

The highest – ranking high chief in the military (Balogun) line, Omiyale, was next to the late Olubadan while Kuye (from the civil line) followed in the order.

But on November 7, 2015, Omiyale died at the age of 91, paving the way for Adetunji, who was next to Omiyale, to ascend the position of the Balogun.

Born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Amope Adetunji in the Alusekere compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan, the new Olubadan is the eldest of his father’s 17 children.

His mother came from the Balogun family of Apomu while his father was a renowned Ibadan indigene. Like many influential figures in those days, Adetunji’s father had more than one wife. Of the four children that his mother had, he (Adetunji) and his brother, Ambali (76), are the surviving ones.

Ambali, who is the Aare Musulumi of Odo-Oba in Ibadan, and who now oversees the music recording business of his brother the king, said Adetunji had a humble beginning, starting as traditional attire (aso ofi) weaver, a tailor and later a music promoter.

He said, “In those days, my brother was a tailor and traditional attire weaver. He was also a renowned trader who later ventured into music promotion. In Nigeria today, he is a leader in the music industry.

“People like the late Isola Abioro, Ogo Oluwa Records and so on met him in the business. Because he is not greedy and because of the respect he has for his colleagues in the business, he does not snatch musicians from them. For that reason, he is highly regarded by musicians and other promoters.

“Our mother was a daughter of the former Balogun of Apomu. Our father was an Ibadan indigene who loved music just like Adetunji and he was revered in the city. Our father had many children and many wives but our mother had four, although only two of us are still alive.”

Ambali noted that the journey of his brother to the royal stool began unwillingly in 1976 during the reign of Olubadan Gbadamosi Adebimpe, when he was compelled to accept the leadership stool of the Alusekere compound. Incidentally, the late Omiyale, whose death last year moved Adetunji to the position of Balogun and next Olubadan, was the man who noticed the leadership quality in the new Olubadan and persuaded him to become Mogaji.

Ambali said, “Despite his philanthropic gestures towards Ibadan indigenes and contribution to the development of the city at early age, Adetunji was not desperate to assume any of the traditional leadership position in Ibadan. He preferred to remain anonymous but he was like a gold fish that has no hiding place.

“I remember the late Omiyale telling him that even without being a traditional chief, he was already playing the role of a community leader. It was a long walk to the top but a wait that was worth the pain,” Ambali explained.

As a music promoter, the new Olubadan had lifted many up-and-coming artistes to the big stage. Popular fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, is one of them. Through his recording company, he also helped Salami Balogun, Amuda Agboluaje, Tatalo Alamu, Raimi Atolagbe, Iyanda Sawaba and Asanat Omo Aje to stardom. His Omo Aje Records was later renamed Babalaje Records. Ambali also spoke about his brother’s philanthropic gestures.

“My brother is a gentleman and this is a trait he has been demonstrating from childhood. From what I have observed of him, he is a complete gentleman and a philanthropist. He ensures that no one suffers or lacks any good thing around him. We have had stories of my brother borrowing money to pay debts of others, even those who are not his relatives. In the past, Ibadan artistes were not recognised. When he became a promoter, he lifted they and other Yoruba musicians and empowered them professionally. Among the musicians he helped are Alhaji Tatalo Alamu, Dauda Epo Akara, Wasiu Ayinde and Malaika.

“He is still doing that. When he moved to Lagos, several decades ago, he brought a lot of budding musicians to the limelight. He also went to Ghana to promote their music and propagate the course of lifting Ibadanland. My brother is always passionate about issues that concern Ibadan,” he said.

Son of the monarch, Abiodun, says his father will use his international link to improve on the economy of Ibadan after his coronation today.

Abiodun, who is a manager in one of the prominent banks in Nigeria, told our correspondent that there was a team already in place to help his father to actualise his economic project for the city.

“The Olubadan-designate has travelled extensively and he has a plan to bring his administration to the grassroots. His reign will bring economic opportunity to the people because he will encourage networking among Ibadan indigenes at home and those in the Diaspora. The focus is to do something that will impact on the lives of the people. He has the will to add value to the lives of the people. The number of people that my father will be able to help will define his reign as a king,” he said.

The banker added that the coronation of his father would be characterised by glamour and class, with 25 Nigerian artistes listed to entertain guests.

“Our family is into entertainment business and our partners have been calling to play roles in the coronation programme. In fact, they are involved and it’s going to be a jamboree from Thursday (yesterday) with music carnival that will involve 25 artistes. They will entertain the visitors and it will be televised not only in Nigeria but outside Nigeria,” Abiodun added.

He said despite his father’s advance age, he was strong enough to lead Ibadan and contribute to its greatness.

“At 87, my father is strong enough to rule. In fact, age is no barrier to the Olubadan throne. The late Olubadan (Samuel Odulana Odugade) died at age 101 but age was never a barrier to his performance as a monarch. My father keeps a healthy life. So, he is strong.”



My father composes songs – Son

Mikahili, one of the sons of the new Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, tells OLUFEMI ATOYEBI that the monarch detests flamboyant lifestyle


Mikahili
Which of your father’s attribute do you cherish most?

I inherited music promotion from my father. I am a music promoter, party planner and transporter. But, most importantly, my father has a modest lifestyle which all his children imbibe.

What kind of father is Olubadan Adetunji at home?

Before he became the king, many people ran to him for help and he gladly gave them whatever they asked for. He has helped numerous people and he is still doing it. Our house is always full of people who need help.

He mediated in many rifts and because of his posture as a leader, people listen to him. They obey his decision which is an important aspect of leadership.

What special feature does he exhibit at home?

Although he never recorded any music of his own, he is a musician. He sings a lot and composes songs even now in his old age.

But apart from that, he listens to everyone who comes to him for help. Some years ago, my father was resting at home when a visitor was turned back. He quickly got up and chastised the person for turning back the visitor. I remember that he said he would not want anyone to turn away the favour of God from him. He said he had a lot to do among mankind and that he prayed God to grant him long life to fulfil the wish.

Does he have any favourite food?

My father eats all kinds of food, especially amala and bean soup (gbegiri), which is the delicacy of Ibadan people.

Did he teach you in royal ways?

Before he was pronounced the next king, no one knew that we were children of a future Olubadan. He taught us in the modest way and to fear God. We were taught how to relate with everybody and how to feed ourselves. We all have our jobs, so we don’t depend on what our father will give us.

When he was younger, the children saw little of him because he was a businessman who travelled a lot. One day, someone told us that our father was doing everything because of us and the future of the family.

Before now, I never thought that he would be a king one day. I prefer to be myself instead of using my father’s glory and name to gain preferential treatment. He does not like it and all his children know it.

How would you reconcile with the fact that your father, despite being a Muslim, must now identify with the traditional religion?

Religiously, the king is a Muslim but he is close to all religious groups. Now that he is the king, I am sure he will be a father to all. He told me long ago that irrespective of religious affiliation, we all served one God. Since the day he was pronounced the next king, all religious leaders have been coming to congratulate him.


http://www.punchng.com/adetunji-becomes-the-41st-olubadan-of-ibadanland/



Cheeeeeeeeeers

.

e for ewe oye a mori




but Ibadan no young man here to become Oba like that 14years boy in delta state



y no one remind me of my trophy. trolling the F T C Way

Congratulations kabiesi

E for elephant

bewla:
e

Okay

Ki ade pe Lori!
Ki irukere pe lowo!
Ki ase pe le nu!

Kabiyesi.

Epistle

This one looks too old to be a king.

Ibadan folks and their own funny ways of doing things.

Anyway, it's time for proper amala owanbe in Ibadan by the quintessential amala folks.

Congrats to him but this man old sha

Where is shekau??

.

D man don old oo.... Hmmm hope he no go die b4 4 years


Just saying my mind

Atleast he gets to the throne of his ancestor b4 he dies. Ki ADE O PE LORI OOOO. ESIN OBA A JE OKO PE

Long live the new Olubadan.
Long live the land of Oduduwa.

BTW, Gov. Ajimobi!!! Pls resign, you are the worst governor Oyo state has ever had.

haha!! kilode u cum write dis epistle just because dem dey giv him staff of authority. anyway ASE apelenu, irukere apelowo, bata apelese..oye amorioo

Vanity Upon Vanity...

Ki Ade pe Lori Ki Bata pe Lese............Congratulations to The King....

bewla:
e for ewe oye a mori




but Ibadan no young ma here to become Oba like that 14years boy in delta state

that's because of their method of kingship bro...hierachy things not hereditary

babyfaceafrica:
that's because of there method of kingship bro...hierachy things not hereditary

Lowe hierarchy and pick a king that can rule for long - not someone that's about to die.

You have to wonder why a city as young as Ibadan is on its 41st king. Do ya kings die every 4 years or what?

Shymm3x:


Lowe hierarchy and pick a king that can rule for long - not someone that's about to die.

You have to wonder why a city as young as Ibadan is on its 41st king. Do ya kings die every 4 years or what?

its not as easy as that...no one can claim ibadan,history comes to place when it comes to kingship,so let them do as they wish,the young are not complaining naw!

The guy too old abegi.
Mtcheww

#IHaveSpoken

.

Shymm3x:
This one looks too old to be a king.

Ibadan folks and their own funny ways of doing things.

Anyway, it's time for proper amala owanbe in Ibadan by the quintessential amala folks.

Not funny

babyfaceafrica:
its not as easy as that...no one can claim ibadan,history comes to place when it comes to kingship,so let them do as they wish,the young are not complaining naw!

Regardless, you can't keep selecting folks on borrowed time all the time, who can't perform, unless the kingship is just ceremonial. Ibadan is too young a city to have 41 kings already. The system is flawed and they need to either change it, or ditch the kingship and get under Oyo.

Oye a Mori oooo

y e b say na grand father d chop oba for ibadan. na wa o

There is an order to the seat of Olubadan!

Shymm3x:


Regardless, you can't keep selecting folks on borrowed time all the time, who can't perform, unless the kingship is just ceremonial. Ibadan is too young a city to have 41 kings already. The system is flawed and they need to either change it, or ditch the kingship and get under Oyo.

Who are u to question a particular culture or ways of ascending throne. Get under Oyo or Oyo should get under Us, if not for the warriors In ibadan, Oyo would have been overtaken by the Fulani's.

Is he old, yes I agree. Is there sth that can be done about it, not really except saying above 60 cannot be olubadan.

BTW you call an elderly person folks on borrowed time, a whole king, my brother, it seems u no wan live long o.

Congrats Egbon Saliu.

ibadanfinest:

Who are u to question a particular culture or ways of ascending throne. Get under Oyo or Oyo should get under Us, if not for the warriors In ibadan, Oyo would have been overtaken by the Fulani's.

Is he old, yes I agree. Is there sth that can be done about it, not really except saying above 60 cannot be olubadan.

BTW you call an elderly person folks on borrowed time, a whole king, my brother, it seems u no wan live long o.

Shut ya gob and stop running ya mouth. Oyo sired Ibadan and Ijaye before it. Wasn't Ibadan Oyo's war camp? Ibadan is like Oyo's prodigal son and since it seems the current system looks like it's not working - don't you think the prodigal son needs to go back home to daddy?

If you want pensioners - just tag Olubadan as a ceremonial title and let Alaafin be the paramount king.

Shymm3x:


Shut ya gob and stop running ya mouth. Oyo sired Ibadan and Ijaye before it. Wasn't Ibadan Oyo's war camp? Ibadan is like Oyo's prodigal son and since it seems the current system looks like it's not working - don't you think the prodigal son needs to go back home to daddy?

If you want pensioners - just tag Olubadan as a ceremonial title and let Alaafin be the paramount king.

I get it, u are from Oyo. You want a city that's bigger than you to be under you, you be alainironu Ara Galatia.
Na fake history your papa teach you, Lagelu was the last son of oduduwa.
Olubadan is a first class king in case you don't know in fact am sure u don't know self.

Pensioner ke, na your king be pensioner o, he no get any job. He has been living on govt money for the past 40 years, he has been milking both his govt and the people. As for Olubadan, he already made his money, he has his legitimate business and he is covered financially.

I remember Mapo Hall so well.
Those days when boys used to hawk and sell pure water for ghetto hustlers at Oke Dada. #welcome to my Sunny day.#
Enough influx of Fuji musicians in my State