Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday acknowledged the receipt of the recommendation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan by the Olubadan-in-Council.
Noting that due process has been followed in the selection process, the governor said Oba Olakulehin will be enthroned as soon as the recuperating Olubadan-designate is strong enough for the processes.
Makinde spoke on Saturday at the final burial ceremony of the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
Oba Balogun died on March 14, 2024 at the age of 81. He reigned for two years and was buried a day after his death according to Muslim rites.
The burial ceremony, which held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, was attended by traditional rulers, title holders, religious leaders, top government functionaries, relatives of the late Oba and family members, among others.
In spite of the heavy rain that poured midway into the event, residents of Ibadan, guests, family and friends turned out in large numbers to honour the late traditional ruler.
Makinde, who in his remarks comically said that those who did not want the celebration of the late monarch were the ones behind the rain, evoking laughter from guests, urged the late monarch’s family members and everyone in the state to feel happy that the late monarch lived a fulfilled and impactful life.
He added that he himself, the House of Assembly and the late Olubadan did what no one thought ‘Napoleon’ could do by amending the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration Laws, which he said would be used to enthrone the 43rd Olubadan.
Makinde said: “Those who don’t want us to celebrate Baba were the ones that sent the rain, but I have told people to charm it. As they continue that, continue to eat and drink and let us continue to celebrate our late Kabiyesi.
“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 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 Kabiyesi, 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, because 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 the late Oba Balogun and for completing the Olubadan palace.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, extolled the virtues of the late first class monarch, charging all indigenes of the community to remember his great values in honour of Ibadanland and oneness of Nigeria
The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister 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 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, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj-Gen. Obinna Onubogu and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, were also in attendance.
Other dignitaries include the member representing Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Stanley Olajide Odidiomo, religious leaders and traditional rulers.
