‘Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, has given reason why Owolabi Olakulehin, has yet to be installed as Olubadan of Ibadan.
Speaking at the final funeral for late Oba Lekan Balogun, Makinde who revealed that his nomination has been approved, said that formal installation would hold when the old man is strong enough.
Makinde stated that himself and the late monarch were able to achieve the ‘impossible’ in the history of Oyo state by successfully amending the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration Law which is now in full effect with the cooperation of the state House of Assembly in 2023.
Recall that the late Olubadan, Oba Balogun passed away on March 14, 2024 at an advanced aged of 81 after reigning for two years, and was subsequently buried according to Islamic rites a day after his demise.
In his words: “One thing that I want us to go home with today is that the late Kabiyesi and I did what they think Napoleon cannot do.
“Myself and the House of Assembly on Friday, 26th May, 2023 we amended the Chieftaincy Laws of Oyo State so that the governor don’t need to go to the Council of Chiefs to amend the Declaration of Obas.
“Myself and kabiyeswi, we amended Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Those who haven’t seen it, let them go and look for it, that is the Declaration in force to enthrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council and I have accepted it. I have accepted it and we will, as soon as our father, Oba Olakulehin is strong enough, he will be enthroned becauee due process has been followed.
“I want to once again thank you all. To the family, it is we all that lost Baba, but we take solace in the fact that Baba lived a fulfilled and eventful life.”
In their separate tributes to the late monarch, the representative of the family of the late Olubadan, Senator Kola Balogun, and the President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Sulaiman Ajewole appreciated governor Makinde for his support to the family, for honouring late Oba Balogun and for the completion of the Olubadan palace.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Secretary to the Oyo state government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, extol the exceptional virtues of the late first class monarch, charging all indigenes to remember his great values in honour of Ibadanland and oneness of Nigeria
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal and his wife, Chief Ajibola Lawal, Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Moses Alake and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarunmi.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima represented by Justice Akiniyi Akintola, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.
Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria Ambassador to Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd), General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola; were also in attendance.
Other dignitaries in attendance include member representing Ibadan South-West/ North-West Federal Constituency, Honourable Stanley Olajide ‘Odidiomo’, religious leaders and traditional rulers.
