The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, on Friday, elevated former Minister of Industry, Chief Nike Akande, CON; wife of former Oyo State Governor, Chief Mutiat Ladoja; and eight others on the Iyalode chieftaincy line at the Popoyemoja Palace, Ibadan.

Their appointments, according to the Olubadan, are based on their integrity, commitment and contribution to the development of Ibadanland.

The monarch, who expressed satisfaction with their track records, said the people of Ibadan expect more from them as traditional title holders in ensuring peace, progress and promotion of commerce.

Oba Adetunji said, “I pray for you that you will note the period of your appointment and installation for good. While I rejoice with you, I want you to take this as a call to greater tasks. The task is aimed at moving the entire Ibadanland forward.”

Akande, who was installed as Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland, said whereas she had been doing her best to uplift Ibadan in particular and the broader society at large, the promotion would serve as an impetus to contribute more to the growth and development of the city and its adjoining communities.

The former Director, Nigerian Industrial Development Bank, said “I feel so happy and I am so grateful to God almighty for the opportunity to witness this occasion. I am also grateful to our father, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and the entire Olubadan-in-Council for their support.

“This is not the beginning of my contribution to society, Ibadan and Oyo State in particular, but I am happy for the installation as the Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland. It is a widely known fact that I give myself to service of humanity and the development of Ibadanland and I see this progress as a challenge to do even more.”

Akande, Nigeria’s first female Minister of Industry, born on October 29, 1944, said, “I shall continue to do my best. As I climb higher on the Iyalode chieftaincy line, I will work hand in hand with stakeholders to put smiles on the faces of the people.”

Ladoja, in her remarks, noted that it was her 20th year on the Iyalode chieftaincy line, saying, “I am extremely happy to God for bringing me up to this point. While I pray for grace to rise to the position of Iyaloja of Ibadanland at the right time, I shall continue to do my best to ensure the continued progress of the entire Ibadanland.”

Also promoted on the Iyalode chieftaincy line were Chief Taye Soyege as Balogun Iyalode of Ibadanland; Chief Yewande Durosaro as the Osi Iyalode of Ibadanland; Chief Nimota Agbaje as Ashipa Iyalode of Ibadanland; Chief Ayo Adegbite as Ekerin Iyalode; Chief P.O Kuye as Ekarun Iyalode; and Chief Kudirat Adeleke, as Abese Iyalode.

Others were Chief Wasilat Ekeolu, Maye Iyalode and Chief Mojisola Oyebola, as the Ekefa Iyalode of Ibadanland.

In attendance at the event were Akande’s husband, Chairman, Splash 105.5FM, Chief Bayo Akande; Chief Eddy Oyewale; Chief Lekan Balogun; other high chiefs and members of the Olubadan-in-Council.

In this article: