IN line with its aim of unraveling places and stories behind the ancient city of Ibadan and Nigeria as a whole, the Tour Ibadan community continued its tourism adventure in the capital city of Oyo State after visiting the oldest palace in the city and the Bower’s Tower at Oke-Are.
On Saturday November 24, the 24-man Tour Ibadan community paid a visit to the palace of Olubadan of Ibadan land and also an insightful tour to the National Museum of Unity located around Popo Yemoja and Alalubosa area of Ibadan respectively.
The team was welcomed at the palace by the Director of Media and Public Affairs to the king, Deola Oloko who explained salient issues about the revered monarch.
When asked about the state of the old palace at Oja-Oba and the king’s choice of residence, Oloko stated that “The palace at Oja-Oba was built by the indigenes for a previous king,” noting that ” various activities at the market in that area pose as a serious disturbance to the peace of the palace. Hence, he has chosen to remain at his abode at Popo Yemoja.”
However, he stated that plans are currently on-going for the king’s relocation to a new palace. “The new Olubadan palace is currently undergoing construction along Queen Elizabeth’s road, Oke Aremo area of Ibadan. The environment is serene and the peace of every members of the palace is guaranteed,” he said.
Speaking about how an Ibadan indigene can ascend the throne of Olubadan, Oloko said, “There are only two ways by which you can become the Olubadan, if you don’t belong to the line of Otun, you must belong to the line of Balogun. In Otun line, you have to carry 22 steps and in Balogun’s line, you have to take 26 steps.”
He said by this orientation, no royalty line quarrel about when or how to ascend the throne.
In his vote of thanks to Oloko and the chiefs that were present, the team lead, Ayo Adams said “We appreciate your kind efforts to our team and we hope to return here again to learn more about culture and traditions in Ibadan.”
While at the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan- a home of historical artifacts and significant symbols opened on April 4, 2002, the team took a tour through four distinct galleries that made up the museum: the Unity Gallery, Masquerade Gallery, Pottery Gallery and Yoruba Gallery.
The unity gallery offers a sight of various musical instruments in Nigeria.
The masquerade gallery houses an embellishment of different masque elements and props belonging to varying tribes in Nigeria.
While the pottery gallery presents you a sight of aesthetically-made pots and also ritual pots referenced to Osun, Ogun, Esu and other antromorphic beings.
Lastly, the Yoruba gallery boasts of different properties and symbols that are found in the Yoruba culture. From a king’s regalia, a full shrine of Ogun to masquerade gallery and architectural designs.
On why pictures are not allowed to be taken in the gallery, the tour guide revealed that ” Some of the pictures taken by tourists are spread carelessly outside and therefore threaten the security of the museum.”
He also added that ” when one makes an architectural design and intends to export it to another country, his first point of contact is the museum as he would need an authorization permit.”