Celebration begins in Olakulehin’s residence as Olubadan is buried

The residence of the Balogun of Ibadanland and Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was filled with drummers and praise singers on Friday, Saturday PUNCH reports.

Olakulehin, according to several palace sources, will be crowned as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland subject to the approval of the state governor, Seyi Makinde, as he is the next in line to the throne.

This came barely 48 hours after the passing of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who died after a brief illness on Thursday.

Confirming the monarch’s death, Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said Oba Balogun died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.

The late monarch, born on October 18, 1942, reigned for two years.

Olakulehin, who heads the Balogun line, according to several palace sources, hails from Ita Baale in Ibadan North East Local Government.

He was a member of the House of Representative in the Third Republic.

The palace drummers were expected to move from Alli-Iwo to the Ita Baale Palace of Oba Olakulehin, heralding his symbolic ascension to the throne.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and several state governors have paid tribute to the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.

The remains of the late Olubadan were, on Friday, interred at his Aliiwo ancestral home amidst sympathisers around 4.30 pm.

The state Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, led other government functionaries to the family burial ground at Aliiwo in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.

Dignitaries at the burial ceremony include the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja; the President-General of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Niyi Ajewole; former CCII President-General, Bayo Ayero; Are Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta, Daud Makanjuola; the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniy Agbotomokekere, and a host of others.

Earlier, there was a lying-in-state at Mapo Hall, Ibadan, from 12 pm to 1 pm before the remains of the late monarch moved to Aliiwo for burial, where prayers were said to God to repose his soul.

The road leading to the ancestral home from Mapo was blocked while all markets along the route were also closed down as a sign of honour to give him last respect.

Adequate security personnel were deployed to strategic locations within the area to maintain orderliness.

Mourning the monarch, Tinubu said he received the news of the passing of the Olubadan with a deep sense of grief.

This was contained in a statement by Presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, on Friday.

The President commiserated with the family of Olubadan, the government of Oyo State, Olubadan-in-Council, Oyo State Traditional Council, and the people of Ibadanland over the loss.

Tinubu mourned the Olubadan and celebrated the Oba’s remarkable life of service to his people, state, and the nation.

“His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, was an exceptional king who used his ancestral stool in the service of humanity.

“He was compassionate, courageous, and an unrelenting advocate of the pristine ideals of peace, honesty, and unity.

“His wise counsel will be sorely missed at this time in the life of our country.”

Obasanjo expresses shock

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, said the news of the passing of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland was received with great shock and profound sadness.

Obasanjo said the news of the ‘sudden’ demise of the Olubadan had hit him like a bad dream.

Obasanjo who is currently in Baku, Azerbaijan, attending the 11th Global Baku Forum, stated, in a statement released by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, that the late monarch left enviable qualities, which stood him out, including an impeccable record of incorruptible leadership.

According to the former President, his enviable qualities stood him out as he left behind an impeccable record of incorruptible leadership, a legacy of forthrightness, thoroughness, and unwavering commitment to public good.

“He demonstrated that politics was an avenue not for mindless enrichment but for rendering faithful service,” he added.

‘Olubadan was a patriot’

Former Vice-President, Atiku Abubakar, also expressed sadness over the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Atiku, in a press statement by his media office on Friday, described the late Oba Lekan Balogun as a long-standing friend and a great patriot.

Sanwo-Olu, others mourn

The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commiserated with the family and people of Ibadan over the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

He said the late Oba Balogun’s service to the people of Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole will remain his enduring legacy.

Governor Sanwo-Olu in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, on Friday, described Oba Balogun’s death as a great loss to the people of Ibadan and the traditional institution in Oyo State.