Oyo
State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has declared today a public holiday to
commemorate the coronation of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu
Adetunji, who will be installed at Mapo Hall, Ibadan by 9am.
A
statement by the Head of Service, Soji Eniade, urged civil servants, traders,
artisans, and the public to show up at the venue.
Ajimobi
appealed to the public to ensure peaceful conduct during and after the
ceremony.
The
government has denied the claims by some corporate organisations that they are
sponsoring the event.
The
Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Yomi Layinka, at
a briefing yesterday, said the coronation committee headed by the Otun
Olubadan, Dr. Lekan Balogun, which also comprised representatives from the
Olubadan-in-council, Iyalode line and Adetunji’s younger brother, Ambali, is
the only recognised body preparaing for the event.
Layinka,
who heads the media sub-committee, said top government officials, led by a
former Secretary to the State Government, Ismael Olalekan Alli, are also on the
committee.
He
said organisations that wish to sponsor the event should approach the State
Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) for approval of their banners and
posters.
“We
wish to state categorically on behalf of the organising committee that no
sponsor has been accredited to manage or brand the ceremony.
“We
understand that a group, purportedly advisory group to the Olubadan designate,
has been soliciting support and collaborating with some individuals to raise
funds and seek branding and marketing opportunities.
“There
is no such accreditation. We have noted with embarrassment that some
organisations, such as MTN and Globacom, have been putting up banners and
posters claiming to be sponsors.
“This
is misleading as the organising committee has not authorised any organisation
as sponsor.
“There
are rules of engagement in branding of events. OYSAA is responsible for
control, regulation of outdoor practice.
OYSAA
has begun to remove such posters, banners. However, if they can go through due
process, they are welcome.”
Markets
in the 11 local governments in Ibadan would be closed today.
This,
Layinka said, was to ensure the full participation of residents and ease
movement.
Entry
roads from Idi Arere to Popoyemoja, in front of the Olubadan’s palace up to Epo
Akara mosque have been turned to one-way.
The
traffic from Oke Ado leading into Bode had also been turned into one-way route.
This,
according to Permanent Secretary, Works and Transport, Oyesola Oyedele, has
become a permanent measure to ease up traffic in and out of the palace.
The
monarch has released his title- Aje Ogungunniso 1.
It
will appear on the paraphernalia of office and items to be used for the
coronation
The
title is believed to have been borne out of his company’s name: Omo Aje Sound
Studio, which he established in 1955.
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