Newly-appointed Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Lekan Balogun, has promised to give his best to Ibadanland by ensuring that the ancient metropolis becomes a truly African city everybody would be proud of.
He said this while answering questions from journalists in his Alarere residence in reaction to the final approval given to his nomination by the state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde.
The second Olubadan to emerge from the Ali-Iwo Dynasty, the new Olubadan said he would adopt Ali Okunmade II as the suffix to his full name, Dr. Mohood Olalekan Ishola Balogun Ali-Iwo.
Ibadan kingmakers had submitted the name of Dr. Balogun who was Otun Olubadan and the rightful successor to the Olubadan throne which became vacant on 2 January, 2022 at the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji Aje Ogungunniso 1 to the governor about two weeks ago.
Dr. Balogun described his formal approval as the new Olubadan as welcome development and commended Governor Makinde for the assent and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their unwavering support.
He said: “With the kind of support and enthusiasm expressed by my colleagues in the Olubadan-In-Council towards and over my emergence and the positive disposition of our governor, I have no choice than to give Ibadan my best and with God on my side, I will be up and doing towards leaving Ibadan better than I’m meeting it.”
Recalling that the journey that culminated into the new appointment actually began in 1986 when he became Mogaji of Ali-Iwo Dynasty, the new Olubadan said it was a race nobody could predict how it would end and expressed gratitude to God for the grace received to attain the ultimate height.
Speaking on the possibility of Ibadan producing a younger oba like other places across the country, Dr. Balogun said: “It would gladden my heart except that I would have been in my grave by that time, rejoicing with my maker.
“A younger person will definitely do better because of physical ability. It would be a welcome development when and if it happens.”
