The Olubadan-in-Council has said that who becomes the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the demise of Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, should not be a subject of controversy.
The council stated that the historical and traditional succession plan to the throne of Olubadan remains sacrosanct, notwithstanding the elevation conferred on all the members of the Olubadan-in-Council as royal majesties.
In line with the agelong rotational arrangement, it is the turn of Senator Lekan Balogun, to ascend the throne as oba over the ancient city, being the next in heirarchy as the Otun Olubadan.
However, his right to the stool is being challenged on the ground that he was among the 21 high chiefs, who were elevated to the positions of obas by the administration of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Recall that members of the council were elevated to the royal majesty status by the state government, under the administration of the late former governor, an action which became a contentious source of litigation.
Rising from a two-hour closed-door meeting, held at the Alarere residence of the Otun Olubadan and the would-be successor to the throne, Senator Balogun, on Monday, the Olubadan-in-Council said who becomes the next Olubadan should not be a subject of controversy.
The council averred that the elevation of the members, who also serve as kingmakers, did not in any way altered the agelong and traditional succession plan to the Olubadan throne in Ibadanland.
The Council stated, “There should be no controversy as to who becomes the next Olubadan amongst us, as the previous elevation that made us royal majesties did not in any way affect our respective offices in the Olubadan-in-Council and would not preclude any of us to mount the Olubadan throne whenever it is the person’s turn.
“We are the kingmakers and we will do the needful at the appropriate time. For now, we are still all in the mourning mood of our departed father and revered leader in the Council and we just want to assure the generality of our people, both home and in the diaspora that there’s no cause for alarm.”
A legal practitioner, Michael Lana, had petitioned the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, challenging the decision of the state government to install High Chief Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
