Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, commissioned the new ultramodern Olubadan palace, located at Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
The completion of the palace located at Oke Aremo within Ibadan metropolis and its official commissioning brings to an end the project that started almost a decade ago.
Commissioning the new palace, Governor Makinde thanked indigenes of Ibadanland who contributed in one way or the other to make the project a reality.
He specially thanked late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, for taking what he described as a bold step to set the project in motion.
According to the governor, the second phase of the palace project will see the renovation of Bower’s Tower, to attract tourist to the palace and state, adding that he will expand the economy of the state through tourism.
“This palace, we have put in place a maintenance system because what usually affects project like this is poor maintenance and we have asked the 11 local government areas in Ibadan land to bring something every month to maintain the palace.
“The nearby Bower’s Tower, we will fix it because tourism is one of the things we will use to expand our economy and that will be part of the second phase of this project.
“I thank all those who have put in efforts that culminate in this palace today. But there are two people I want to thank specifically for their roles and efforts in the actualisation this project.
“First, I want to thank my predecessor in office, late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He was bold in his action by kickstarting the process.
“The second person I want to thank is Chief Bode Amao. He contributed so much in all areas and I recognise that he is an asset to Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
“For all Ibadan indigenes who contributed to the success and actualisation of this project, I thank you all,” Makinde said.
Governor earlier in his comment said local governments across Ibadan who during the construction contributed huge sum of money each adding to what he also contributed will see to its maintenance.
Also, former President, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Bayo Oyero thanked Governor Makinde and local government chairmen in Ibadanland for their efforts towards completion of the project.
Chief Oyero analysed the contributions of each local government and that of Governor Seyi Makinde which almost totalled one billion naira.
Earlier in his address, the Olubadan-designate, Oba Olakulehin, who was represented by Oba Lateef Adebimpe, said the idea of the palace was concieved nine years ago during the time of former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
He noted that former Governor Rashidi Ladoja gave approval of the allocation of the land for the palace.
The monarch said the story of the palace will not be complete without appreciating the efforts of Makinde, adding that Ibadan will remain greatful to the governor for the completion of the project.
He added that no palace in South West can compete with the newly commissioned ultramodern palace.
Also in his address, the CCII President-General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, who could not hide his happiness,was full of praises of Governor Makinde.
It would be recalled that the CCII President-General immediately after the inauguration of his executive team promised that the new palace would be commissioned within few months.
Ajewole used the ocassion to commiserate with the family of the lawmaker representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Honourable Musliu Olaide Akinremi (Jagaban) who died in an Abuja Hospital on Wednesday morning. He asked the people to observe one minute silence for the late lawmaker.
Some of the dignitaries at the event include the deputy governor, Barr Bayo Lawal; Secretary to the State Government; Professor Olanike Adeyemo; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented by his deputy and Chief Bode Amao.
Others are former first lady of the state, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja; former deputy governor, Hazeem Gbolarunmi; Chief Adebayo Akande and his wife, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande; former and current President General of CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero and Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; Senator Kola Baolgun, former Minister of Sports, Professor Taoheed Adedoja, among many others.