Senator Lekan Balogun hàs been endorsed by ten out of the 11-member of the Olubadan-in-Council, yesterday, as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
A former governor of the state and member of the council, Rashidi Ladoja, was absent from the meeting.
He is the Osi Olubadan.
The council made the announcement after Balogun addressed a press conference at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to commiserate with Ibadanland on the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji.
The council members, who are kingmakers, insisted that no court case would stop the appointment and installation of the next Olubadan.
They pointed out that the administration of the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi did not tamper with the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957 by elevating them.
The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, who spoke on behalf of the kingmakers, stated: “The council, which is the king-making body, has met and resolved that Balogun is next in line, and will in line with the tradition, ascend the throne of Olubadan.”
Other high chiefs at the media briefing included Balogun Olubadan, Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun, Eddy Oyewole; Ashipa Olubadan, Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Balogun, Amidu Ajibade; Ekaarun Olubadan, Lateef Gbadamosi; Ekaarun Balogun, Kola Adegbola and Ekerin Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi.
In the statement also read by Balogun, he re-echoed his position as the Prime Minister of the Olubadan-in-Council – Otun Olubadan.
He said: “By way of duty, as the Prime Minister of the Olubadan-in-Council, we owe the people of Ibadanland and Oyo State in general, the obligations to inform and update you all on the latest developments at our palace.
“It is no longer news that our much-revered Kabiyesi, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso II, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has joined his ancestors.
“The good deeds he had done in respect of his dedication and commitment to the promotion and sustenance of peace and development of Ibadanland and Oyo State, in general, shall remain indelible in the hearts of our people.
“He was a peace-loving and an outstanding custodian of culture and tradition, who held on strictly to the principles of excellent leadership. He would forever be remembered for his consistency and tenacity of purpose in whatever he believed would advance the course of Ibadanland.
“He has come, served and gone like everyone before him. And so will everyone at his own time.”
Balogun added: “I enjoin you all to remain peaceful in all your conduct in order to sustain our unequalled historical peaceful co-existence for which Ibadanland is globally known.”
