The Iyalode of Ibadanland, High Chief Theresa Oladuntan Oyekanmi, on Friday, threw her weight behind her colleagues in the Olubadan-in-Council on the nomination of Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Dr. Sen. Lekan Balogun as the Olubadan-elect.
Iyalode is the only few in the 11-member Olubadan in council.
This was contained in a letter condoling the Olubadan-in-Council in which members were also congratulated on their choice of successor personally signed by the female High Chief and one of Ibadan kingmakers.
OptimalTimesNG quoted the highest ranked woman Chief in Ibadanland said, “may I sieze this opportunity to congratulate my fellow members of the Olubadan-in-Council for the seamless nomination of the next Olubadan, Dr. Sen. Lekan Balogun in accordance with norms and traditions of Ibadanland”.
High Chief Oyekanmi said she wholeheartedly aligned with the resolution of her colleagues in the Olubadan-in-Council being the most rightful thing to do as it complied with Ibadan culture and tradition.
According to her, “Dr. Sen. Lekan Balogun is the rightful successor to the throne of Olubadan and the proclamation made by my brothers at the Olubadan-in-Council was well placed and had my support and blessing.
“Ibadan women are for observance of culture and tradition of our land and the choice of Dr. Sen. Balogun is our choice and has our blessings. As the head of the women wing, I, on behalf of the women folk both at home and in diaspora assure the Olubadan designate of our unwaivering support and cooperation”, Iyalode stated further.
While calling for unalloyed support of all and sundry for the new Olubadan, High Chief Oyekanmi said “what Ibadan needs now is for all hands to be on deck for a smooth inauguration of the new Olubadan and more importantly, prayer for a peaceful reign when the new king takes full charge”.
Commiserating with the people of Ibadanland, she said, “on behalf of my family, Iyalode-in-Council and the good women of Ibadanland, I hereby convey my sincere condolences to the family of His Imperial Majesty, late Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the government and people of Oyo State on the passing into glory of Oba Adetunji which sad event occurred on Sunday, 2nd January, 2022.
“Oba Saliu Adetunji contributed immensely to the progress and development of Ibadanland. We thank the Almighty Allah for his fulfilled life, remarkable impacts and relentless services to the good people of Ibadanland.
“We shall greatly miss Kabiyesi and pray that all the legacies he left behind shall never perish. May Allah grant us all and the entire family the fortitude and strength to bear the irreparable loss. May Allah forgive him his sins and grant him eternal rest”, Iyalode wrote.
