The new Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Saliu Adetunji will today be crowned in an elaborate ceremony as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland.
High Chief Saliu Adetunji to be crowned the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland
It is jubiliation in Ibadan as High Chief Saliu Adetunji will today (Friday) be handed his staff of office as he is crowned the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, at the famous Mapo Hall, in the ancient city by the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi.
This is coming 45 days after the death of the former Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana.
The ceremony is expected to be graced by dignitaries from all walks of life, including President Mohammadu Buhari.
Adetunji's was indeed worth mentioning after the person who should have emerged as the new Olubadan died on November 7, 2015 paving the way for him to ascend the throne.
High Chief Saliu Adetunji was born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Amope Adetunji in the Alusekere compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan, and 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 his brother has the leadership quality to be the best Olubadan of Ibadan and would use his good office to bring new development to the people.
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.
“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.
Speaking also, the monarch's son, Abiodun, says his father will use his international link to improve on the economy of Ibadan after his coronation today. The son who is a manager in one of the prominent banks in Nigeria revealed that something great is coming to the people of Ibadan.
“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.
“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.”