The Agbaoye of Ibadanland, Chief Orikolade Ayodele Karim, has congratulated the Government and people of Oyo State on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.
In a statement made available to the press in Ibadan on Tuesday, 27th January, Chief Karim congratulated the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for the successful organisation of activities marking the state’s golden jubilee, describing the celebration as ‘a significant milestone and a defining moment in the history of Oyo State and our people’.
According to him, the vision behind the creation of Oyo State 50 years ago was to build a strong subnational entity capable of delivering good governance, fostering unity, and projecting the state’s rich cultural heritage and economic potential to the global community .
Agbaoye Orikolade Ayodele Karim Conferred with Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa)
He stated: “I congratulate the Government and the people of our dear Oyo State. The vision of our founding fathers was to create a state that would serve as a model of progress, innovation, and effective subnational governance. Today, Oyo State continues to live up to that vision.”
Chief Karim highlighted Oyo State’s historic role as a pacesetter state, noting that it is home to several national firsts, including the University of Ibadan, Nigeria’s premier university, as well as other landmark institutions that have contributed immensely to national development.
He particularly commended the Seyi Makinde led administration for its forward-looking policies and reforms, noting that Oyo State is the first subnational government in Nigeria and Africa to develop and adopt a domestic implementation strategy for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). He described the initiative as visionary and a major step towards positioning Oyo State as a hub for trade, investment, industrial growth, and job creation.
Chief Karim also acknowledged and celebrated past administrations in the state, both civilian and military, living and departed, thanking them for their service and contributions to the growth and stability of Oyo State.
He further congratulated the traditional rulers of the state, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusohola Alao; the Okere of Saki; and other traditional leaders across Oyo State. ‘’I pray for continued wisdom, strength, and good health for them as they continue to guide our people’’
The Agbaoye went on to celebrate the people and residents of Oyo State, particularly the youth and students, whom he described as the pride and future of the state. He encouraged citizens of Oyo State at home and in the diaspora to remain connected to their roots and to actively contribute to the continued development of the state.
“We are known as the Pacesetter State, we must take our pride and responsibility seriously and continue to live up to our ‘Asiwaju’ position as a people, as echoed in our anthem, ‘Asiwaju ni wa.’ A brighter and more prosperous Oyo State lies ahead.”
He also extended warm greetings to serving security personnel and public servants in Oyo State, as well as those of Oyo State descent serving in the state, other states and federal levels, commending their dedication and sacrifices in service to the nation and in the maintenance of peace, stability, and good governance.
He concluded by expressing profound gratitude to the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the continued support and encouragement extended to Oyo State, particularly through the President’s personal attendance at the coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland. He wished all residents of Oyo State a peaceful, joyous, and memorable celebration as the state marks its golden jubilee.
Orikolade Ayodele Karim
Agbaoye of Ibadanland
[…] Agbaoye Orikolade Ayodele Karim Congratulates Oyo State Government and People At 50In a statement issued on Thursday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary Olawale Sadare Oyo APC warned Gov. Makinde to stop wasting funds belonging to the Pacesetters State on PDP projects “since it is crystal clear that the party is completely paralyzed without any hope of recovery in no time. “Independent observers have submitted that the whole package of ‘Oyo at 50’ show turned out a sham as it was devoid of colour, glamour and substance but we are not surprised because one cannot give what he does not have. Meanwhile, the aspect that called for concern has to do with the conversion of the same shambolic exercise into a conduit through which public funds were mismanaged and siphoned by the governor and his allies.“We have it on good authority that a sum of N90million was deducted from the federal allocation of each of the 33 local government councils by Gov. Makinde ostensibly to fund the anniversary project while another undisclosed amount was taken from the coffers of the state government for the same purposes at the same time and the question now is; what did they do with over N3billion? Was it the huge amount the cost of the misplaced air show, lopsided award conferment, colour-riot Ankara uniform for PDP members and one-man show novelty soccer match that justified the amount? […]