Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has announced that a new Olubadan will be installed soon, following his approval of the nomination of Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd monarch of Ibadan.
Governor Makinde made this announcement during the final burial rites for the late Lekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan, Oyo state. Makinde while speaking at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan praised the late Olubadan, Mohood Lekan Balogun, for his significant contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan and Oyo State. Balogun, who also represented Oyo Central District in the Senate from 1999 to 2003, was honored with a state burial.
Makinde highlighted the seamless review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in 2023, achieved through cooperation between the late monarch and the state government. The successful amendment of the Oyo State Chiefs Law in May 2023 allows the government to install the next Olubadan without needing approval from the Council of Chiefs.
“I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council and I have accepted it. Oba Olakulehin will be enthroned soon because due process has been followed,” Makinde stated.
The governor also extended his condolences to Oba Balogun’s family and the people of Ibadan and Oyo State, urging them to find solace in the fulfilled life the late Olubadan lived. Professor Olanike Adeyemo, Secretary to the State Government, praised Oba Balogun as an intellectual and a patriot dedicated to the state’s progress. Dr. Kola Balogun, the late monarch’s younger brother and former Senator representing Oyo South District, thanked Governor Makinde for his support and the dignified burial provided for the Royal Father.
The event saw attendance from prominent figures including Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum, PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Ambassador, Taofeek Arapaja, former Deputy Governors, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Moses Alake, and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima (represented by Justice Akinniyi Akintola), Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, and Head of Service Mrs. Olubunmi Oni.
Other notable attendees included former Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and captains of industries.
