The new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun has been handed the staff of office by the Governor of Oyo State, SEYI MAKINDE, as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan.
This follows the coronation ceremony held at the Mapo Hall, Oja’ba in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital today.
The ceremony was well attended by dignitaries like the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Gov Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti, Gov Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Deputy Governor of Osun, Benedict Alabi, former governor of Oyo state, Rasheed Ladoja, Bada Balogun Olubadan, Adegboyega Adegoke among others.
Oyo state Governor, Seyi Makinde in his speech today, said Ibadan land has maintained the best succession line in the Yoruba history since the first coronation was held in the 1950s, despite the hurdles that came with this particular monarchical tenure.
The governor lauded the achievements of the New Olubadan who, according to him, has served Oyo state remarkably. He, therefore, urged traditional rulers to uphold steadfastness as custodians of the great Yoruba culture, and not dabble in politics.
Speaking also at the event, Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo recounted the historical achievement of the ancient city of Ibadan, which has set the pace by being the first at so many remarkable milestones in the country.
Osibanjo prayed for a long, peaceful and healthy life for the monarch to shoulder the enormous responsibility vested upon him as the Olubadan of Ibadan.
Oba Lekan Balogun becomes the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland after the demise of the former Olubadan Oba Saliu Adetunji joined his ancestors on the 2nd of January, 2022.
