High Chief Lekan Balogun unveiled as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland by traditional kingmakers

MEMBERS of the Olubadan-in-Council have endorsed the nomination of Dr Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland to succeed  Oba Saliu Adetunji who passed away earlier this week.

Announcing the choice after the kingmakers made their decision, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, said the selection was made in accordance with local traditions. Apparently, 10 out of the 11 Olubadan-in-Council members endorsed the nomination of Chief  Balogun, with only High Chief Rashidi Ladoja being absent.

Disclosing the development at the iconic Mapo Hall, Chief Ajibola debunked the insinuation in some quarters that there is a legal tussle on the succession to the Olubadan throne. He also dispelled the insinuation relating to the health of the new Olubadan-designate, saying all the negative media reports are nothing to write home about.

Chief Ajibola said: “We have endorsed the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadaland. This is the decision that was taken by 10 out 11 Olubadan-in-Council members and there is no going back on it."

High Chief Amidu Ajibade, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadaland, maintained that the Olubadan stool cannot be politicised, stressing that the case in court has nothing to do with who becomes the next Olubadan. He added:  “Those people and others were promoted during the reign of the late Olubadan with their crowns and there was not problem, so there should not be a problem now when the next person to the late Olubadan needs to be supported to emerge as Olubadan.

“Those people were duly promoted and their promotions were approved by the governor, so why are they now peddling rumours that are not relevant to the issue on ground? After this conference we will submit our resolutions to Governor Makinde.”

In his acceptance speech, High Chief Balogun said that as bonafide indigene of Ibadanland, there is a natural need for him to join the people in commiserating with the family of the late Oba Adetunji on his demise. He added that the Olubadan-in-Council has been liaising with the Oyo State government to ensure that every necessary step to sustain the peace of the city is strictly followed.