A former presidential aspirant on the platform of the defunct Social Democratic Party, SDP, Senator Lekan Balogun, has been selected as the Olubadan-Elect of Ibadanland.
The Olubadan-in-Council, which constitutes the kingmakers, on Wednesday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital selected Balogun, of Aliwo compound, as new Olubadan-elect, barely four days after the demise of the former occupant of the throne, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Ajeogunguniso 1.
It would be recalled that the Olubafan stool became vacant following the passing on of Oba Adetunji, from Popoyemoja, on January 2, 2022, after reigning for five years.
Findings revealed that Balogun was unanimously selected by 10 kingmakers, who showed solidarity with the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The council denied insinuations of legal tussle on the succession to the Olubadan throne, urging the people to desist from carrying rumor which can truncate the peaceful coexistence of the town.
They also cautioned those politicising the crowning the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan to desist from the act, saying such antics would not take them anywhere.
The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, made the disclosure on Wednesday, in a brief remarks at an international press conference called by the kingmakers.
Ajibola said that the council, which constitutes the kingmakers have met and resolve that Dr Balogun is next in line and would in line with the tradition ascend the throne of Olubadan.
He also debunked insinuations relating to the health and wellness of the new Olubadan-elect, saying that all the negative media reports are nothing to worry about.
Ajibola said, “Either we have been crowned before or not, that is irrelevant, they should not bring politics into the tradition of Ibadan.
“Twelve chiefs constitutes the Olubadan-in-council, including the Iyalode of Ibadanland, ten of us has endorsed Lekan Balogun, there is no judgement stoping him from becoming the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
Other High Chiefs in attendance at the press conference include: Balogun Olubadan, Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun, Olufemi Olaifa; Ashipa Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Ekaarun Olubadan, Amidu Ajibade; Ashila Balogun Olubadan, Lateef Gbadamosi, Ekaarun Balogun, Kola Adegbola and Ekerin Olubadan Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
Addressing pressmen, the Olubadan-elect noted that in line with the traditional practice of Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council has been up and doing, liaising with the Oyo State government to ensure that every necessary step to sustained the peace of the city is strictly followed.
He however urged the people to discard any rumors and insinuations capable of disturbing the peace of Ibadanland, irrespective of the quarter from which such fake news emanate.
Commiserating with the governor, residents and indigenes of the city on the departure of the monarch, Balogun said that the briefing is imperative in view of the need to update the people on the latest development in the palace.
Balogun said, “As the Prime Minster of the Olubadan-in-Council, we owe the people of Ibadanland, and Oyo State in general, the obligations to inform and update you all on the latest development at our palace.
“The good deeds the late Olubadan had done in respect of his dedication and commitment to the promotion and sustenance of peace and development of Ibadanland and Oyo State in general shall remain indelible in the hearts of our people.
“He was a peace-loving and an outstanding custodian of culture and tradition, who held on strictly to the principles of excellent leadership. He would forever be remembered for his consistency and tenacity of purpose in whatever he believed would advance the course of Ibadanland.
“He has come, served and had gone like everyone before him. And so will everyone at his own time. I pray the Almighty Allah to continue to protect the family he left behind.
“I wish to commiserate with the peace-loving people of Ibadanland on the sudden transition to eternity of the late great monarch and I enjoin you all to remain peaceful in all your conducts in order to sustain our unequalled historical peaceful co-existence for which Ibadanland is globally known.
“I, therefore, enjoin you all to discard all unfounded rumors and insinuations capable of disturbing the peace of Ibadanland, irrespective of the quarter from which such fake news emanate.
“In line with the traditional practice of Ibadanland, when occasion like this arises, the Olubadan-in-Council has been up and doing liaising with the Oyo State government to ensure that every necessary step to sustain the peace of the city is strictly followed.”
