Seyi Makinde, Oyo state Governor, has approved the nomination of Owolabi Olakunlehin as 43rd Monarch for the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo state’s capital.
Makinde made this known during the final burial rites of Oba Lekan Balogun, 42nd Olubadan, who died on March 24, 2024. The ceremony was held at Obafemi Awolowo stadium, yesterday, June 8, 2024.
The Governor described the late Olubadan as a man who lived a fulfilled life free of inanities, with his strong developmental ideas for the growth of ancient city of Ibadan.
He duly praised the Late Oba Lekan Balogun for cooperating with Oyo State Government in reviewing Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in 2o23.
Makinde revealed that the reviewed law would made it easy to install an Olubadan without wasting time, as the State already approved the recommendation of new Olubadan-elect, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, by the Olubadan-in-Council.
In his words, “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.
“Kabiyesi Olubadan and I amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Those who are yet to see the document can go and look for it to confirm. That is the declaration to enthrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council and I have accepted it. Oba Olakulehin would be enthroned soon, because due process has been followed.”
Additionally, the Governor also used the medium to condole with the family of Late Oba Lekan Balogun, while imploring them to see the beauty in the fulfilled life he lived.