- By Halimah Olamide
The Governor of Oyo State, Engr Seyi Makinde, has confirmed accepting Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the new Olubadan of Ibadan as recommended by the Olubadan-in-Council.
“I have accepted it and as soon as the Olubadan Designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is strong enough, he will be enthroned because due process has been followed,” Makinde said at the event celebrating the exit of the late Olubadan, Dr. Lekan Balogun.
Balogun had died on March 14 this year two years after being installed as Olubadan.
The governor said that the late Olubadan lived a fulfilled life, saying that he and the late Olubadan did things many people thought would be impossible.
“Myself and late Oba Balogun amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration which revolved the enthronement of Olubadan,” he said.
Makinde said that the state House of Assembly on May 26, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy law of Oyo State and the governor no longer need to go to the Council of Chief for the declaration of Oba again.
Speaking about Balogun, the Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai (rtd), described Balogun as a philanthropist and lover of the people.
Buratai said that Balogun served Oyo State and Nigeria in general through various charitable efforts.
Also speaking, the Olowu of Owukuta, Oba Adekunle Hammed, said late Olubadan promoted unity within Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Hammed said the reign of Balogun witnessed a lot of transformation and his contribution to the development of the state would never be forgotten.