he Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, has urged the newly installed Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Akinola Adekunle Alabi, to leverage his dual influence as a lawmaker and traditional title holder to attract meaningful developmental projects to Ibadan.
Oba Olakulehin made the call during the official installation ceremony of Chief Alabi, held on Friday at the historic Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan. Alabi, who currently represents Egbeda/Ona Ara Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, was decorated with the symbolic Akoko leaves by the Oluwo of Ibadanland, Chief Abdulwahab Popoola.
Addressing the gathering of dignitaries, Oba Olakulehin emphasized that Chief Alabi’s elevation to the revered Olubadan chieftaincy line was not arbitrary but a recognition of his significant contributions to the progress of Ibadanland.
“You have been installed as the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland today. There are hundreds of Mogajis (family heads), but your appointment is a result of your meaningful contributions to Ibadanland,” the monarch said. “I charge you to continue attracting federal projects to Ibadan. Do your best for the land of your birth.”
Speaking to journalists after the installation, Chief Akin Alabi expressed profound gratitude, stating that ascending the Olubadan line is a rare privilege that transcends political ambitions.
“If you’re an Ibadan indigene, you will know what it means to get into the Olubadan line,” he said. “This is not something you can achieve with money or power—it’s about grace and good deeds. I’m very happy to have achieved this. Politics is different; chieftaincy is also different.”
His elder brother, Mr. Adesina Alabi, echoed similar sentiments, describing the new Jagun as a beacon of hope for their entire family. “He’s been a good humanitarian, and with this new position, I’m confident he’ll do even more for the people,” he said.
The grand event attracted a host of traditional rulers, including Oba Kolawole Adegbola, Otun Balogun of Ibadanland; Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Ashipa Olubadan; Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Ekerin Olubadan; Oba John Isioye-Dada, Osi Balogun; and Oba Abiodun Azeez, Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland.
Also in attendance were High Chiefs Akeem Bolaji Adewoyin and Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, members of the House of Representatives, prominent politicians, and top government functionaries, making the occasion a memorable milestone in Ibadan’s rich cultural and political history.
