Key Points

• Atiku says protocol kept him from Olubadan coronation.

• Olubadan coronation gathered Tinubu, Makinde, and Yoruba monarchs.

• Atiku reaffirms respect for Ibadan’s traditional leadership.

Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president, explained why he didn’t go to the coronation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. He said that scheduling and protocol issues kept him from going to the important event.

The coronation, which took place on Friday at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, was attended by Nigeria’s political and traditional elite, such as President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo’s representatives. Rashidi Ladoja, the Osi Olubadan, was also there as one of the people who helped choose the king of the ancient city.

Issues with the protocol kept Atiku not being crowned

Atiku, who ran for president in 2023 as a member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), was one of the people who were supposed to be at the ceremony. Paul Ibe, his media aide, said in a statement that he couldn’t be there because of protocol issues that were out of his control.

“I planned to go to the coronation of Oba Olubadan, but logistics and protocol made it impossible,” Atiku said. He sent Oba Olakulehin warm congratulations and called him a “monarch whose reign will further strengthen Ibadan’s legacy of peace, stability, and cultural pride.”

Big names in politics come to the Olubadan coronation

The Olubadan stool is a special part of Nigeria’s traditional system. There are two royal lines, the Otun and the Balogun, and succession is strictly by rotation among them. After the death of Oba Lekan Balogun earlier this year, Oba Olakulehin, a respected nonagenarian and former soldier, took the throne.

Politicians from different parties came to the ceremony, showing how important Ibadan is as the political capital of the Southwest. President Tinubu, who has stressed the need for Yoruba leaders to work together, used the event to show how strong Ibadan’s culture is. Governor Makinde, who put on the event, said that the coronation was “a moment of pride not just for Oyo State but for Nigeria as a whole.”

Atiku says he still respects Yoruba culture

According to a report by the Punch news, Atiku, who has often relied on help from Yoruba leaders in his presidential campaigns, talked about his long history with Ibadan and promised to visit the new Olubadan in person. He said, “I still respect Yoruba tradition.” “I can’t wait to congratulate His Imperial Majesty in person.”

There has been a lot of speculation about his absence in politics, but analysts say that Ibadan is still an important battleground for national politics. Atiku’s promise may help calm rumours and strengthen his ties in the Southwest before future contests.