June 8, 2024
Governor Seyi Makinde on Saturday acknowledged receipt of the recommendation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan by the Olubadan-in-Council.
Noting that due process had been followed in the selection process, the governor said Oba Olakulehin would be enthroned as soon as the Olubadan-designate was 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 81.
He reigned for two years and was buried according to Muslim rites a day after his death.
The event which held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, was attended by traditional rulers, title holders, religious leaders, top government functionaries, family members, and relatives among others.
Despite the heavy rain that poured midway into the event, residents of the ancient city, guests, family and friends turned out in large number to honour the late monarch.
Makinde, who comically said those who didn’t want the celebration of the late monarch were the ones behind the rain, to the laughter of the guests, urged family members and everybody in the state to be happy the late monarch lived a fulfilled and impactful life.
He noted that he himself, the House of Assembly and late Olubadan Balogun did what no one thought ‘Napoleon’ could do by amending the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration Laws which 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 the rain. 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 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.”
