By Iyabo Adebisi/Fasilat Bello
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state says he has accepted the recommendation by the Olubadan in-council which nominated Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin as the next Olubadan of Ibadan.
He stated this while speaking at the final farewell ceremony for the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Late Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde said Oba Olakuleyin would be enthroned as the next Olubadan as soon as his current health condition improve pointing out that the recommendation for his enthronement as the next king in Ibadanland would follow follow due process.
Governor Makinde said Oba Balogun would be greatly missed for his wisdom in Ibadanland and be remembered for his contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan and Oyo State.
The governor lauded the late Oba Balogun for working with the state government to achieve the seamless review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in 2023.
Makinde said: “One thing I want us to take home today is that Kabiyesi Lekan Balogun and I did what people thought Napoleon could not do.
“The Executive Arm of government and the Legislature, on the 26th of May, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy law of Oyo State, so that the governor does not need to go to the Council of Chiefs to amend the declaration of traditional rulers.
“Kabiyesi Olubadan and I amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Those who are yet to see the document can go and look for it to confirm. That is the declaration to enthrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council and I have accepted it. Oba Olakulehin would be enthroned soon, because due process has been followed.”
“So, I want to once again thank you all and to console the family. We all lost Baba but we should take solace in the fact that Baba lived a very fulfilled life,” the governor said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Senator Kola Balogun appreciated Governor Makinde for his unflinching support to the family since the demise of the Olubadan and prayed for smooth governance under his leadership.
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai who is also the Aare Akinrogun of Ibadan described late Oba Balogun as a leader worthy of emulation who has served his community, the state and Nigeria meritoriously.
Present at the event were top government functionaries, business tycoons and traditional rulers.
Late Oba Lekan Balogun passed away on 14th March this year at the age of 81 after his reign on the Olubadan throne for two years.
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