By Ibidapo Olowolayemo, Ibadan
Saturday September 14, 2024
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The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakunlehin (Ige Olakunlehin 1), has described the Ebira people in Ibadanland as very loyal to the cause of Ibadanland.
His Imperial Majesty made the statement while receiving the Baale of Ebira Community in Ibadan, Chief Lamidi Aliu Balogun, and his entourage who paid him a courtesy visit at the new Olubadan palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Report of the visit was contained in a statement signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan by the Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to Olubadan, Olugbenga Ayoade, on Friday.
According to Ayoade, while speaking through his Aremo, Prince Olasunmbo Owolabi Olakulehin, the monarch said, “Ibadan has a long history of over 100 years of mutual relationship with Ebira people. The Ebira are no longer visitors, but recognised residents of Ibadanland.
“We have, therefore, accepted them as one of us, given the long-standing peaceful co-existence; and we look forward to the continuity of the mutually beneficial relationship,” Oba Olakulehin said.
In his address, Chief Balogun said their visit to the Olubadan was a tradition they had maintained over the years.
“We acknowledge the importance of Ibadanland, rever the Olubadan and will continue to obey the laws, customs and traditions of the land.
“Ebira people have found socio-economic prosperity in Ibadan and will, therefore, continue to pray for peace in the land so that our people can continue to prosper,” he said.
Chief Balogun described Ibadanland as the most peaceful city in the world and advocated for the creation of Ibadan State which, according to him, was long overdue.
He pledged the continued loyalty and cooperation of his people to Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.
Accompanying the Baale of Ebira Community on the visit were Chief Abdul Rahmon Jimoh Enesi (Asiwaju) Apata Ibira Community, Chief Salihu Usman (Chairman), Chief Ibrahim Leramol (Vice chairman), Chief Salihu Aminu from Ayepe, Iwo road, Abdul Rauf Bello (Auditor) and Allhaja Sikirat Yisa (Iyalode), among others.