By Adeyinka Adeniran
Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye on Friday described Ibadan as very strategic in the affairs of Yorubaland in particular and Nigeria in general, saying the ancient city cannot be ignored for whatever reason or purpose.
Oba Ghandi, who was on Tuesday installed as the 21st Soun made the remark during his visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, at his Alarere, Ibadan, residence.
Accompanied by some of the principal Chieftaincy title holders of the ancient town, including: Are Ago, Iyalode and Abese, the new Soun, who described Ibadan as a home to him noting that he was born in Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro, Oke-Ofa in the ancient metropolis and lived in Ibadan for 27 years.
He noted that the important and strategic position Ibadan occupies in the affairs of Yorubaland made it compelling for him to visit his brother Oba, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The visit which coincided with the visit by the members of the Karim Adeyemi Foundation to the palace afforded Oba Ghandi to recall his relationship with the Republic of Germany where the young Karim Adeyemi plays professional soccer with Borusa Dortmund Club and how he had facilitated more than 20 young Nigerians through an MTN programme to play soccer in the country.
Soun commended Oba Balogun for the peace being enjoyed in Ibadan under his reign, promising to collaborate with him and other brother Obas in the state, especially the three Imperial Majesties, Olubadan, himself and the Alaafin of Oyo to advance the cause of the state in all ramifications.
Speaking, Oba Balogun, who expressed delight at the visit said Ibadan belongs to all as recalled by Oba Ghandi and assured him of his readiness to work together with him and their colleagues in the state, stressing that the relationship between Ogbomoso and Ibadan has been for agelong and can only continue to wax stronger.
The visit by the Karim Adeyemi Foundation which comprised the young player, Karim, his parents, family members and some of his friends in his football team in Germany, according to Mr. Adeyemi was to ensure that the young Nigerian relates with his roots.
He disclosed that the Foundation was set up as a means of the player giving back to the society, Nigeria in particular, noting that the current visit was marked with a football match at the Olubadan Stadium, the previous day where some young Nigerians were empowered.
It was also disclosed that through the instrumentality of the Foundation, some Nigerians had been facilitated to soccer playing in Germany just as there was a promise to do more in the years ahead.
