PH
Ibadan – The ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo state capital will be agog today as Chief Saliu Adetunji will be installed as the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi, will present the staff of office to Adetunji at the famous Mapo Hall, in the ancient city.
President Mohammadu Buhari and other dignitaries are expected to grace the occasion.
Born on August 26, 1928 to the family of Raji Olayiwola and Suwebat Amope Adetunji in the Alusekere compound, Popoyemoja, Ibadan, the new Olubadan is the eldest of his father’s 17 children.
His mother came from the Balogun family of Apomu while his father was a renowned Ibadan indigene. Like many influential figures in those days, Adetunji’s father had more than one wife. Of the four children that his mother had, he (Adetunji) and his brother, Ambali (76), are the surviving ones.
Ambali, who is the Aare Musulumi of Odo-Oba in Ibadan, and who now oversees the music recording business of his brother the king, said Adetunji had a humble beginning, starting as traditional attire (aso ofi) weaver, a tailor and later a music promoter.
As a music promoter, the new Olubadan had lifted many up-and-coming artistes to the big stage. Popular fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde, is one of them. Through his recording company, he also helped Salami Balogun, Amuda Agboluaje, Tatalo Alamu, Raimi Atolagbe, Iyanda Sawaba and Asanat Omo Aje to stardom. His Omo Aje Records was later renamed Babalaje Records. Ambali also spoke about his brother’s philanthropic gestures.
