The President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, has described Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as Oloore Ibadan (a benefactor of Ibadanland), citing his administration’s intervention in the construction of the befitting palace of the Olubadan as one of his remarkable contributions to the development of the ancient city.
Ajewole made this declaration while expressing appreciation to Governor Makinde following the presentation of a brand-new Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 500 to him as a special birthday gift from the governor.
Speaking during the presentation, the CCII President-General offered a personal account of how the Olubadan Palace project began, recalling that shortly after his election as President-General of the council, completing the then-unfinished modern Olubadan Palace became one of his foremost priorities.
According to him, he initially set a target of completing the project within six months and subsequently constituted a committee to drive the initiative, with an Ibadan indigene based in the United States of America appointed to head the committee.
However, the project encountered financial challenges, making it difficult to achieve the initial target.
Ajewole explained that it was at this point that someone suggested he approach Governor Makinde for assistance.
He recalled that the estimated cost of completing the project at the time was over ₦850 million, prompting him to seek the governor’s intervention.
Narrating his experience, Ajewole said his encounter with Governor Makinde marked a turning point in the project, as the governor immediately demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that Ibadanland had a befitting palace for its foremost traditional institution.
He disclosed that Governor Makinde directed the local governments in the state to contribute ₦50 million each towards the project, while he personally committed ₦250 million to support its completion.
Ajewole described the intervention as an instance of divine providence, noting that Almighty God used Governor Makinde to make the dream of a befitting Olubadan Palace a reality.
He expressed satisfaction that the palace has now become one of the outstanding traditional palaces in Nigeria, adding that the accomplishment would remain an important part of the history of his tenure as CCII President-General.
Beyond the birthday gift, Ajewole’s remarks highlighted what he considers a more enduring gesture of goodwill towards Ibadanland: the governor’s contribution to preserving the dignity and prestige of the Olubadan institution.
He also used the occasion to clarify that his appreciation of Governor Makinde should not be interpreted through the lens of partisan politics.
According to him, he is not a politician, neither has he ever belonged to the same political party with Governor Makinde. However, he maintained that political differences should never prevent anyone from acknowledging genuine acts of goodness.
Ajewole stressed that having the fear of God requires people to speak the truth and openly appreciate individuals who have made meaningful contributions to their communities.
He maintained that when somebody does something good for Ibadanland, such an achievement deserves recognition, irrespective of political affiliations.
He further reiterated that the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes remains a non-partisan organisation committed to the unity, development and progress of Ibadanland.
The CCII President-General’s remarks were made during the presentation of the luxury vehicle by Chief Babatunde Tijani, popularly known as Double T, who represented Governor Makinde at the event.
The occasion attracted several government functionaries, traditional title holders and stakeholders, including the Governor’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Akinwale Akinwole; Commissioner for Education, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola; Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr William Akinfunmilayo; ALGON Chairman in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; and several Mogajis, including Mogaji Ejilude, Mogaji Akere, Mogaji Akegbe, Mogaji Wale Ladoja and Mogaji Oladosu Ademola.
While the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon 500 was presented as a birthday gift, Ajewole’s account of the Olubadan Palace project provided a broader context for understanding his appreciation of Governor Makinde, particularly his position that genuine contributions to Ibadanland deserve recognition beyond political considerations.
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