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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