Seyi Makinde Upholds Yoruba Culture As He Prostrates To Greet Olubadan (See Photos)

On Tuesday, the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde and top members of his government visited the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Olasupo Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso 1 to give him presents on the Monarch's 92nd birthday.

In pictures released on the Governor's social media handles, he could be seen prostrating himself to greet the revered Monarch.

Ideally, this is a sign of respect among the Yorubas but civilisation has almost eroded this beautiful culture; it is now believed that political power is more relevant than traditions.

Governors appoint kings and as such, seen as the most powerful in their states. Despite being aware of this, Seyi Makinde still bowed respectfully to greet Oba Saliu.

For the latter part of his tenure, late Abiola Ajimobi was at loggerheads with the King over some alterations made to the Ibadan kingship system by the government. At a point, Ajimobi reminded the King that he could dethrone him. The fight culminated into the devastating loss of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the polls in the last general elections.

It would also be recalled that former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala also had issues with the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi which also took negative effect on the reelection bid of the former in 2011.

However, it seems Seyi Makinde has been managing his relationship with the royal fathers well by according them the respect they deserve. One can only wish for this rare level of humility from the billionaire Governor.

Oyo Govt Set To Install Solar Powered Lights At Palaces, Hospitals And Major Markets

Oyo State Government has revealed that it is set to install All-in-One Solar Powered lights at palaces, hospitals and major markets across the geopolitical zones in the State. This, it said would further tighten security in the nooks and crannies of the State and develop its infrastructures.

This was revealed by the State’s Commissioner for Public Works and Transport, Prof. Raphael Afonja, yesterday in Ibadan, while addressing pressmen.

“With a view to further expand the security network of the State and consolidate on this administration’s recorded achievement in this sector, it has therefore, become highly imperative and urgent to provide adequate security through provision of streetlights for our esteemed traditional rulers who have recently become targets for kidnappers in the recent times”, he said.

Afonja added that this initiative is aimed at addressing socio-economic challenges in the State, such as incessant and perpetual hoodlum attacks on traders in major markets and hindrance to medical services delivery at nights, due to poor illumination of hospitals premises.

He explained further that the illumination of major markets places will give room for night transactions which will boost the socio-economic status of the citizenry, and consequently improve the State’s IGR.

Prof. Afonja alluded that the illumination project in palaces, major markets and hospitals, would efficiently complement the ongoing ‘Operation light up Oyo State’ project.