Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has announced the nomination of Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of the historic city of Ibadan.
The announcement was made during the final burial rites of the late Olubadan, Lekan Balogun, held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan.
Governor Makinde praised the late monarch, describing him as a pivotal figure in the growth and development of Ibadan and Oyo State.
He highlighted the collaboration between the late Olubadan and the state government that led to the seamless review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in 2023, which was a significant step in modernizing the chieftaincy laws.
In his address, Governor Makinde said, “One thing I want us to take home today is that Kabiyesi Lekan Balogun and I did what people thought Napoleon could not do. The Executive Arm of government and the Legislature, on the 26th of May, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy law of Oyo State so that the governor does not need to go to the Council of Chiefs to amend the declaration of traditional rulers.”
Makinde confirmed that the government had accepted the recommendation of Olubadan-Elect, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, by the Olubadan-in-Council and stated that due process had been followed for his enthronement.
He emphasized the importance of the successful review of the Oyo State Chiefs Law in 2023, which facilitated this seamless transition.
The governor also extended his condolences to the family of the late Oba Balogun and the people of Ibadan and Oyo State.
He encouraged them to take solace in the fulfilled life led by the late Olubadan.
“So, I want to once again thank you all and to console the family. We all lost Baba but we should take solace in the fact that Baba lived a very fulfilled life,” he said.
The Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, also paid tribute to Oba Balogun, describing him as an intellectual and a patriot who was dedicated to the progress and growth of the state.
Dr. Kola Balogun, the younger brother of the late monarch and former Senator representing Oyo South District, lauded Governor Makinde for his support and the dignified burial accorded to the deceased royal father.
The event saw a significant turnout of dignitaries including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, and his wife, Mrs. 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 Gbolarumi.
Also present 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 Akinniyi 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.
Notable attendees also included former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai; General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo, and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, along with various traditional leaders, religious leaders, and captains of industries.
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