Ibadan politicians from across political divides put their differences and recent crisis that trailed the elevation of some High Chiefs and Baales in Ibadanland to crown-wearing monarchs behind them as they gathered with a strong and unanimous voice “for unity, progress and advancement of the cause of the land”.
The Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji; former Governor of the State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; and other prominent Ibadan indigenes over the weekend rose in unison to remain indissoluble for the progress of Ibadanland.
They all gathered to celebrate Ibadanland at the inauguration of new executive members of Ajorosun Social Club, a foremost social cultural group in Ibadanland.
Chief Solomon Oluokun Bababola is the new President of the club.
Other dignitaries at the event included former Chief Justice in the State, Justice Badejoko Adeniji; President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Adeyemi Soladoye; member, House of Representatives representing Egbeda/Ona-Ara, Taiwo Akintola; a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde; and the outgoing President of the club, Prof. Olukayode Idowu, who charged the indigenes to make use of their population, political exposure and experience to continue to set the pace in the areas of economy, social, politics, commerce and educational advancement for the state and Africa in general.
In putting their differences behind them, both the Olubadan and Ladoja cuddled the SSG and applauded the Governor’s speech delivered on his behalf.
Another former Secretary to the State Government and one time President of the Ajorosun Club, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, who chaired the planning committee for the inauguration, was commended for inviting dignitaries across political divides for the epoch making ceremony.
About N10 million was raised for the club’s development.
Ajimobi said he would always seek the goodness and unity of Ibadan at all times, just as he reeled out the achievements of his government in all facets of lives, especially infrastructural turn around of the city, education and peace, safety and security of lives and property.
Oba Adetunji, while showering blessings on Ibadanland, said: “As a father of all sons and daughters of the ancient city, I will always be in support of all suggestions, moves and efforts in moving the city forward.”
In his acceptance speech, the new President, Chief Babalola, said he needed the support of all and sundry in achieving his campaign promises.
