Ibadan very strategic in Yorubaland — Soun     …… lauds Karim Adeyemi Foundation

The 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 and cannot be ignored for whatever reason or purpose.

The monarch who was on Tuesday installed as the 21st Soun made the remark during a visit to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, at his Alarere, Ibadan residence.

Oba Olaoye accompanied by some of the principal vhieftaincy title holders of the ancient town that include the Aare Ago, Iyalode and Abese, while describing Ibadan as a home to him, disclosed that he was born at Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro, Oke-Ofa, in the ancient metropolis and lived in Ibadan for 27 years.

The monarch in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan by the Personal Assistant (Media) to the Olubadan, Oladele Ogunsola, was quoted as saying 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 Olaoye, to recall his relationship with the Republic of Germany where the young Karim Adeyemi, plays professional soccer with Borrusa Dortmund Club and how he had facilitated more than 20 young Nigerians through an MTN programme to play soccer in the country.

The monarch 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.

Oba Balogun, who expressed delight at his visit told him that Ibadan belongs to all as recalled by Oba Olaoye 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 an agelong and can only continue to wax stronger.

The visit by the Karim Adeyemi Foundation which comprised the young player, Karim; his father, Mr. Adeyemi;  mother (a German); 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.