The Presidency on Thursday said President Goodluck Jonathan did not shun
the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Odulana Odugade, in his last weekend’s visit to the
South West. The Presidency explained that a visit to the monarch was not
included in Jonathan’s itinerary.
The Olubadan-in-Council had on Wednesday criticised the President for
visiting the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, without visiting the
Olubadan.
But the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr.
Reuben Abati, told State House correspondents that Jonathan held the monarch
and indeed all indigenes of Ibadanland in high esteem.
He said already, the President had been scheduled to visit Olubadan at
least two times within the first quarter of this year.
The presidential spokesman said while Jonathan would visit the monarch
during the forthcoming zonal rally of the Peoples Democratic Party holding in
the city, he would also join well-wishers at the 100th birthday of the
traditional ruler in April.
Abati said, “Let me use this opportunity to make it clear that the
President holds Olubadan, people of Ibadan and people of Oyo State and the
people of the South West in general in very high esteem.
“He considers the Olubadan a father and a great Nigerian and has enjoyed
excellent relationship with the monarch, the people of Ibadan, people of Oyo
State and the people of South West.
“And that indeed since he assumed office, he has been to the palace of
Olubadan to pay homage. But on this particular occasion, it happens that the
schedule of the President indicates that he has at least two trips to Ibadan
within the first quarter of the year.
“He will be in Ibadan for the PDP South West rally and he is scheduled
to visit and pay homage to the Olubadan. The Olubadan will be celebrating his
100 years birthday in April and the President has been previously scheduled to
visit.