Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced his acceptance of the Olubadan-in-Council’s recommendation of Oba Olayiwola Olakuleyin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Makinde made the announcement during the final farewell ceremony for the 42nd Olubadan, the late Oba Lekan Balogun, held at Obafemi Awolowo Stadium in Ibadan. He indicated that the official enthronement of Oba Olakuleyin would proceed once there is an improvement in his current health condition, emphasizing that the recommendation followed due process.
Reflecting on his tenure with the late Oba Balogun, Makinde highlighted their joint achievement in amending the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration Law with the cooperation of the state House of Assembly in 2023.
The late Olubadan, Oba Balogun, passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81, after a two-year reign, and was buried according to Islamic rites.
Makinde stated, “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, May 26, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy Laws of Oyo State so that the governor doesn’t need to go to the Council of Chiefs to amend the Declaration of Obas.”
“Myself and kabiyesi 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 separate tributes, Senator Kola Balogun, representing the late Olubadan’s family, and Chief Sulaiman Ajewole, President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for his support and completion of the Olubadan palace.
Professor Olanike Adeyemo, Secretary to the Oyo State Government, praised the late monarch’s virtues and urged indigenes to honor his legacy for the unity of Ibadanland and Nigeria.
The event was attended by prominent figures, including the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Bayo Lawal, and his wife; Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former Deputy Governors of Oyo State; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and other notable dignitaries.
