…Says 43rd Olubadan to be enthroned as soon as he’s strong enough
By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde on Saturday acknowledge the receipt of the recommendation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan by the Olubadan-in-Council.
Noting that due process has been followed in the selection process, the governor said Oba Olakulehin will be enthroned as soon as the Olubadan-designate is strong enough for the processes.
Makinde spoke on Saturday at the final burial ceremony of the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
Corenews reports that the late Oba Balogun died on March 14, 2024, aged 81. He reigned for two years and buried according to Muslim rites a day after his death.
The event which held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan was attended by traditional rulers, title holders, religious leaders, top government functionaries, family members, relatives among others.
Despite the heavy rain that poured midway into the event, residents fof Ibadan, guests, family and friends turned out in large number to honor the late traditional rulers.
Makinde who comically in his remarks said those who didn’t want the celebration of the late monarch were the ones behind the rain, to the laughter of the guests, however urged the family members and every body in the state to be happy that the late monarch lived a fulfilled and impactful life.
He added that himself, the House of Assembly and the late Olubadan Balogun did what no one thinks ‘Napoleon’ could do by amending the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration Laws which would be used to enthrone the 43rd Olubadan.
Makinde said “Those who don’t want us to celebrate Baba were the ones that sent the rain, but I have told people to charm the rain. As they continue that, continue to eat and drink and let us continue to celebrate our late kabiyesi.
“One thing that I want us to go home with today is that the late Kabiyesi and I did what they think Napoleon cannot do.
“Myself and the House of Assembly on Friday, 26th May, 2023 we amended the Chieftaincy Laws of Oyo State so that the governor don’t need to go to the Council of Chiefs to amend the Declaration of Obas.
“Myself and kabiyesi, we amended Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Those who haven’t seen it, let them go and look for it, that is the Declaration in force to enthrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council and I have accepted it. I have accepted it and we will, as soon as our father, Oba Olakulehin is strong enough, he will be enthroned because due process has been followed.
“I want to once again thank you all. To the family, it is we all that lost Baba, but we take solace in the fact that Baba lived a fulfilled and eventful life”
In their separate tributes to the late monarch, the representative of the family of the late Olubadan, Senator Kola Balogun, and the President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Sulaiman Ajewole appreciated governor Makinde for his support to the family, for honouring late Oba Balogun and for the completion of the Olubadan palace.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Secretary to the Oyo state government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, extol the exceptional virtues of the late first class monarch, charging all indigenes to remember his great values in honour of Ibadanland and oneness of Nigeria
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal and his wife, Chief Ajibola Lawal, Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Moses Alake and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarunmi.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima represented by Justice Akiniyi Akintola, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.
Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria Ambassador to Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd), General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola; were also in attendance.
Other dignitaries in attendance include member representing Ibadan South-West/ North-West Federal Constituency, Honourable Stanley Olajide Odidiomo, religious leaders and traditional rulers.
