Makinde commissions new palace for Olubadan ahead of coronation
Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde on Wednesday commissioned an ultra modern palace for the Olubadan.
Oba Olakulehin, the Olubadan-designate will be the first Olubadan to reside in the palace as plans have been concluded for him to move into the property immediately after his coronation on Friday.
The new structure is the second but newest modern Palace to be inhabited by the Olubadan located at the Oke Aremo area of the capital city.
Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Chief Bode Amao, members of the Olubadan-in-Council led other dignitaries from all walks of life to the event.
Oba Olakulehin was represented by the Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe who presented a speech on his behalf.
Speaking at the Commissioning, Makinde thanked every indigene who had contributed to make the project a reality.
He thanked his predecessor in office, late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi for taking the bold step that set the project in motion.
He said the second phase of the palace project will see to the renovation of the Bowers Tower, to attract tourist to visit the palace and the state, adding that he will expand the economy of the state through tourism.
He added that a maintenance mechanism to ensure the palace is well maintained has also been put in place with monthly contributions expected from the 11 local government areas in Ibadan.
Makinde said: “This palace, we have put in place a maintenance system because it usually affects projects like poor maintenance and we have asked the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland to bring something every month to maintain the palace.
“The nearby Bowers Tower, we will fix it because tourism is one of the things we would use to expand our economy and that will be part of the second phase of this project.
“I thank all those who have put in efforts that culminate in this palace today,, but there are two people I want to thank specifically for their roles and effort in actualisation this project.
“First, I want to thank my predecessor in office, late former governor Abiola Ajimobi. He was bold in his action by kick-starting the process.”
“The second person I want to thank is Chief Bode Amao. He contributed so much in all areas and I recognise that he is an asset to Oyo state and Nigeria as a whole.
“For all Ibadan indigenes who contributed to the success and actualisation of this project, I thank you all.”
In his remarks, the Olubadan-designate said the idea of the palace was conceived nine years ago during the time of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Olakulehin noted that former Governor Rashidi Ladoja gave approval of the allocation of land for the Palace.
He said the story of the palace will not be complete without appreciating the effort of governor Makinde, adding that Ibadan will remain grateful for the effort of the governor towards the completion of the project.
