Thousands of Ibadan sons, daughters and residents on Sunday January 2, 2022 trooped out en-mass to witness the burial of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, who passed on earlier same day.
The Olubadan gave up the ghost at Ibadan teaching hospital and was buried immediately in accordance with Islamic rite.
The monarch was the 41st king of the ancient city, and he succeeded Oba Samuel Odulana who died in 2016.
However, at a time when cultural and traditional vestiges are either relegated to the background or jettisoned outright, owing largely to Western influence on the polity, the Ibadan people of South West Nigeria are constituting themselves into a study in reverence for culture and tradition.
How they choose their monarch without rancour is just so unique and commendable. The Olubadan-in-council must also be appreciated for being an unbiased umpire all the time.
The hierarchical positioning in the Ibadan system has two-line approaches, the Balogun system and the Olubadan (Otun) system.
Olubadans are appointed on rotational basis to occupy the stool on the death of a monarch. The next to Olubadan and most senior on both lines are the Otun Olubadan and Balogun.
From time immemorial, the leadership style of the Olubadan as the head of Ibadan traditional political structure is firm, robust, esteemed and without any controversy.
Record shows that before his coronation, Oba Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadan land which indicates that the Otun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun would emerge as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland with respect to the existing rotational system.
Beyond a very rich history of its monarchy, the Ibadan land is also famed for its legendary ways of keeping historical artifacts and as well for tourists attractions, some of them include: The Agodi Gardens, Bowers Towers, the legendary Mapo Hall and a host of others. To date, it is still a leading ancient city endowed with rich cultural heritage.
Expectedly, the forthcoming obsequies and other sideline activities, which would ultimately lead to the installation of a new Olubadan, has presented the people of the kingdom the opportunity to, once again showcase the rich Ibadan culture and craft.
Impressively, the sacredness of the Monarchy system in Yoruba land especially in Ibadanland is one of the few reasons why Yoruba traditional systems and values have garnered so much respect and admiration over the years. The Obaship inspires nothing short of reverence. May God be with the people of Ibadan, Yorubaland and Nigeria as a whole.
▪︎Emmanuel Ajibulu is an infoprenuer, publisher of veracitydesk.com.ng, writer, communication consultant and social media influencer.
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