Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Wednesday, said that the newly-built Olubadan palace would attract international tourists just like the Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom, stating that people would pay to visit the magnificent palace.
The governor stated this while commissioning the new edifice in Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
Makinde in a statement signed by his media adviser Sulaimon Olanrewaju noted that as part of his administration’s commitment to expanding Oyo State’s economy through tourism, it will see to the rehabilitation of the historic Bower’s Tower.
According to him, the state government has designed a mechanism for the maintenance of the new palace, and it would involve all the 11 local government areas in Ibadan making contributions to that end.
He said: “The Palace we are commissioning today has been in construction since the time Chief O.O Bello was the President-General, but we thank God that everything has come to fruition today.”
Governor Makinde, who lauded his predecessor in office, the late Senator Abiola Ajimobi for his courage in starting the project as well as Chief Bayo Oyero, for seeing the project through, also appreciated all Ibadan sons and daughters who contributed to the success of the project.
The governor continued, “When the current CCII President came to meet me, I said to him that the only person I trusted, who could fast-track the completion of the project was Chief Oyero, because I knew he was an asset to Oyo State and Nigeria.
“So, Baba, thank you so much. I appreciate you so much for the efforts you have put into this project on behalf of Ibadan.
“For all the indigenes of Ibadanland, who have contributed to the success of this project, I thank you too.”
In his speech, the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who was represented by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, commended the governor and other individuals for their efforts.
He added that the second part of the project, which would be the final phase of the palace construction, will commence in earnest, noting that when completed, the Olubadan palace would be among the best palaces in the world.
Earlier in his welcome address, the President-General, CCII, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, also thanked Governor Makinde for his financial and moral support towards the completion of the palace and for making it a reality, adding that, Makinde has proven himself to be a freeborn son of Ibadanland.
He maintained that, the new Olubadan palace has put an end to the mockery of Ibadan not having a befitting palace.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Asiwaju of Ibadanland who is also the chairman on the occasion, Chief Bode Amoo, and a former President-General of CCII, Chief Bayo Oyero, appreciated Governor Makinde for being a worthy and illustrious son of Ibadanland, noting that no indigene has invested immensely as much as Makinde has done in the projects of the association.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi; wife of the former governor, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja and the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, who was represented by the Deputy Speaker, Abiodun Fadeyi.
Also in attendance were Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni and other top government functionaries
