The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding one of its own, Chief Adebayo Adelabu worthy of ministerial position.
CCII President-General, Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole made this commendation at the CCII’s Ibadan House while playing host to the Minister of Power during a special courtesy visit by the minister.
Ajewole congratulated CCII and the entire Ibadanland for the appointment of Adelabu, urging all to throw their support behind the minister.
“I am using this medium to specially congratulate one of CCII’s constituent clubs, Jericho Businessmen Club (JBC) as your valuable member is now a member of the Federal Executive Council of Nigeria. It would be recalled that this is the second time that a JBC member would be bringing such honour to CCII as Mr. Remi Babalola was also appointed as Mininster of State for Finance.
“On behalf of His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, we specially appreciate His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria for considering an Ibadan son and one of our dependable technocrats as a member of his cabinet. I also deeply appreciate the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde for supporting the nomination of Chief Adebayo Adelabu as the Minister that will represent our dear state.
“On behalf of the entire membership of the CCII, it is with great joy that I welcome you, Honorable Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, to this august gathering in the month of August. Your visit to us today is done in the spirit of comradeship and camaraderie. It is a homecoming of sort. For this, permit me to acknowledge our father, Prelate Emeritus of Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr Sunday Ola Makinde, for his role in making this courtesy visit a reality. Thank you, sir.
“As we all know, power is critical for any meaningful economic renewal or development of any country in the world. it is our prayer that just as Chief Adelabu has excelled in every position he has held in the past, he would also excel in this special assignment of revamping the power sector for our country.
“Chief Adebayo Adelabu is no doubt one of the most talked-about politicians and technocrats in Nigeria today. Providence has placed an all-important assignment in his hands. Chief Bayo Adelabu is not just an illustrious son of Ibadan. He is someone whose ‘needle has a long thread’. We all remembered or have heard of the impacts and achievements of his grandfather, Late Adelabu Adegoke (Penkelemesi) in the politics of Ibadan, Western Region and Nigeria at large. As Yoruba will say “Omo kii ba ipele iya re ko si aso da”. The family’s genes of greatness and uniqueness are also noticeable in the incumbent Minister of Power. Just like his grandfather, Chief Adegoke Adelabu Penkelemesi whose unique politics and brilliance earned him praises even from opposition members, Chief Adebayo Adelabu has shown maturity, deftness and uniqueness in Oyo State politics.
“While acknowledging and appreciating your past moral, material and financial support to CCII and Ibadanland in the past, I want to humbly request your support in the following areas:
(i). Creation of job for our youths.
(ii). Empowerment of our indigenes.
(iii). Financial and material support towards the completion of Olubadan Palace on or before December 2023.
(iv). Support and presence at CCII activities.
(v). Assisting the vision of Oyo State Government in becoming the first State in the Country to achieve the feat of uninterrupted power supply.
(vi). Provision of an official car to the office of CCII President General.
11. At this juncture, I want to seize this opportunity to inform the Honourable Minister that the Inauguration Ceremony of CCII Executive (2023-2025) has been slated for Saturday, 2nd September, 2023. We would like our Honourable Minister to honour us with his distinguished presence.
12. While we would continue to pray for you to excel in your present assignment as the Minister for Power, we want to call on you to join hands with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluwaseyi Makinde for the progress of Ibadanland and Oyo State in general. This is a critical time for us as a people in our resolve to achieve sustainable development through the collaboration of brilliant minds.” Ajewole stated.
In his response, Adelabu said he purposely came home to CCII’s Ibadan House in line with the dictum of charity begins at home, while promising to make, Ibadan, Oyo State and Nigeria proud especially on the responsibility of reviving power sector placed on his shoulders.
“Power sector is the most criticised sector as it is pivotal to the economic emancipation of the country. Politics and elections are gone, it is now time for governance and I believe that with God’s support and people’s prayer we shall surmount all the challenges ahead.
“By God’s grace we shall deliver. The president knows I’m competent and I will deliver, but I want to urge the citizens to stop cursing the power sector. Rather we should pray for the sector.
“I assure you that I will make you proud and you shall not be put to shame. There are many cabals in the sector, notwithstanding we shall deliver. We shall start from Oyo state here.
“You can be rest assured that I will deliver and we shall have our own power plant.
“Governor Makinde remains our governor as politics is gone, but we shall work together to take Oyo State to the next greater height. Oyo State is our priority.
“Oyo Assembly must pass electricity bill, then we shall increase the capacity of Ikere Gorge Dam to 20kva.” Adelabu stated.
He promised to replicate CCII’s good gestures in the areas requested by the Council’s President-General.
Earlier at the event, Baale Ekotedo. Elder Taye Ayorinde charged the minister to look in the direction of solar-powered energy.
Also Chief Dotun Sanusi urged Ibadan indigenes to rally round the minister and support him to achieve the set goals of his office.
Penangle.com reports that many dignitaries at the event include Mogaji of Ibadanland, Baales across Ibadanland and many other prominent Ibadan indigenes, including politicians, other well wishers and many CCII members.