THE next in line as the Olubadan, Chief Saliu Adetunji, the Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, yesterday expressed appreciation to God, saying he is ready for the throne.
Hundreds of indigenes converged on his residence of Popoyemoja in the heart of the city to rejoice with him.
Amidst the felicitation, High Chief Adetunji, 87, after meeting with members of his family, said: “God is wonderful to me. The utmost ambition of any traditional Chief in Ibadanland is to ascend the throne of Olubadan, God has made that possible for me this year.I don’t have anything than to thank Him for making me the first Olubadan in my lineage.”
High Chief Adetunji was on January 1 promoted alongside others following the death of High Chiefs Sulaiman Adetunji and Omowale Kuye.
People struggled for space inside the two-storey building.
Canopies were erected in the compound, which was filled with people.
Two big cows were tied to the side of the building. Two had been slaughtered to prepare food for the guests.
Drummers were busy welcoming guests.
Among the guests were chiefs, religious leaders, musicians, businessmen, traders, members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and politicians. Also there were Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland,
Alhaji Dauda Makanjuola, Chief Imam of Ibadan, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiyu Agbotomokekere, former Oyo State Governor Victor Olunloyo , Baale Ekotedo, Chief Taiye Ayorinde and Mr. Lowo Obisesan.
Two of the 23 children of the Olubadan- designate, Miss Suliat Adetunji and Adijat Adetunji, said: “We are very happy that he has been able to get to this level of becoming the Olubadan-in-waiting. We thank God for His special grace .
Suliat (30), who is the last child described their father as “amiable” and “kind”.
The eldest child, Prince Mukail Adetunji, said when their father was promoted to Balogun, they never thought it would be so soon.
The Olubadan-designate is the proprietor Of Babalaje Records. He started his journey to the throne in 1972 when he was made Mogaji of his family compound.
He was a tailor for many years, making both native and English dresses.
High Chief Adetunji is a music marketer with three marketing companies -Omo Aje Sound Studio, Adetunji Label and Babalaje Records, which he founded 55 years ago.