Adetunji to be crowned Olubadan March 4

High Chief Saliu Adetunji has said he will be crowned the new Olubadan of Ibadanland on March 4, 2016.

The position became vacant following the death of Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade on January 19. The Olubadan-in-Council had pronounced Adetunji, who is the Balogun of Ibadan, the Olubadan-designate as he is the most senior in rank to mount the throne.

Adetunji released the date of his installation in his message to the President of the Ibadan Descendants Union, Mr. Laja Akintayo, through his (Adetunji) media aide, Adeola Oloko, at the weekend.

He added that the installation would be held at the Olubadan Palace in Oja’ba, Ibadan, while a reception would take place a day later.

The decision of Head of Seriki line, Chief Adebayo Oyediji, who is also laying claim to the Olubadan stool, to approach an Oyo State High Court seeking to stop the Olubadan-in-Council and the Oyo State Government from installing Adetunji as   the next Olubadan had cast doubts over the coronation.

But the court rejected   Seriki line’s application seeking to stop Adetunji’s coronation.

Ruling on the application, Oyediji filed through his lawyer, Abideen Oyeniran, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Mukhtar Abimbola, said he would not grant the interim order of application, saying that even if the vacant stool was filled illegally, the court had the right to remove ýthe occupier anytime.

He said the date was arrived at after consultation with the Olubadan-in-Council and all other relevant stakeholders.

Adetunji said, “One of the reasons why the coronation had not been held before now was because the late Olubadan Odulana Odugade deserved to be given a befitting burial, which was successfully completed last week.

“Sincerely, the Olubadan-in-Council must not only make, but submit their endorsement of the new Olubadan to His Excellency, the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi. Then, the governor will ratify the decision. Once you cross the barrier, you get the date. So, the date is Friday, March 4 at Oja’ba, Ibadan where the previous Olubadans received their staff of office. On Saturday, March 5, there is going to be a big reception at a venue that is yet to be decided.”

Meanwhile, Adetunji could travel to the United States a few months after his coronation on the invitation of the IDU branch in Orlando where the national summit of all Ibadan indigenes would take place in September.

The group had requested to know from Adetunji how it could be involved in his coronation.

Obey described Adetunji as a dependable and reliable pillar in music industry. He praised him for taking music composition, promotion, advertisement and marketing to new heights.

Copyright PUNCH.