Olubadan-In-Council Declares Lekan Balogun Olubadan-Elect
The coast is becoming clearer for the emergence of the Otun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun, as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland as 10 out of 11 members of the Olubadan-In-Council, on Wednesday, endorsed and declared him the new Olubadan-elect.
The declaration was made during a press briefing held by Senator Balogun at Mapo Hall on the demise of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I.
Making the declaration, the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, said the entire Olubadan-In-Council, with the exception of the Osi Olubadan, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, supported the endorsement.
While Senator Ladoja was conspicuously absent at the press briefing, High Chief Ajibola declared that “10 out of 11 members are in support of the Olubadan-elect”, adding, “there is no court case anywhere.”
Before the commencement of the press briefing, Senator Balogun called for one-minute silence in memory of the late Olubadan.
Senator Balogun, whose composure and demeanour at the press briefing were contrary to claims in some quarters that he has health issues, said the essence of the press briefing was to apprise the people with the latest developments in Ibadan, the state capital.
“One, as a bonafide indigene of Ibadanland, there is a natural need for me to join you in commiserating with the family of the late oba on the sudden home call of our Kabiyesi, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso I, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Two, by way of duty, 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.
“It is no longer news that our much revered Kabiyesi, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has joined his ancestors.
“It is my prayer that the Almighty God, to whom all mortals shall return, will accept his home call, forgive his sins and grant him Al-jannah Firdaous. May his gentle soul continue to rest in perfect peace.
“The good deeds he 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,” he said.
Senator Lekan Balogun commiserated with Governor Seyi Makinde and the state government, saying they had been privileged to interact and relate intimately with the late Olubadan to sustain the peace and development of Oyo State.
“There is no doubting the fact that Your Excellency would sorely miss the late oba, if only for his fatherly counsels on matters of administrative importance to the state.
“My heartfelt condolence message also extends to the entire royal dignitaries of the Olubadan-in-Council as well as the members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) on the sudden demise of the late kabiyesi and I pray that the Almighty Allah grants you all the fortitude to bear the loss,” he said.
The Otun Olubadan also commiserate with the people of Ibadanland on the demise of the late Olubadan and urged them to remain peaceful in all their conducts in order to sustain the historical peaceful co-existence for which Ibadanland is globally known.
“I, therefore, enjoin you all to discard all unfounded rumours 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,” Senator Balogun added.
Other members of the Olubadan-In-Council present at the press briefing included High Chiefs Owolabi Olakulehin; Amidu Ajibade; Eddy Oyewole; Lateef Gbadamosi; Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Kolawole Adegbola and Bayo Akande.
High Chief Theresa Oyekanmi, the Iyalode Olubadan, who was said to be in strong support of her colleagues, was absent at the press briefing as she was reported to be indisposed.
