Following the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Olubadan-In-Council on Friday approved the nomination of High Chief Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, the Balogun of Ibadanland, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Informant247 gathered that the meeting attended by Oba Olakulehin was chaired by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, while the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Lateef Adebimpe, nominated the Olubadan-Designate.
The Olubadan-in-Council met at Mapo Hall on Friday to nominate Olakulehin, and the nomination was ratified by all the members present.
Other members of Olubadan-in-Council at the meeting are Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole Foko; Ashipa Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade; Ekarun Olubadan, Adebayo Akande; Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe; Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Balogun, Dada Isioye and Ekarun Balogun, Abiodun Azeez.
Back story:
Oba Lekan Balogun Alli Okunmade II, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, passed at the age of 81.
The late Olubadan reigned for two years on the throne of his forefathers, having been presented the Staff of Office by the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on March 11, 2022.
Governor Seyi Makinde, in a statement by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, his Chief Press Secretary, on Thursday, said Oba Balogun died Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan.
The governor described the late monarch as a towering figure akin to an Iroko tree.
He wrote, “With total submission to the will of God, I announce the passing unto glory of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“A mighty Iroko has fallen; Oba Balogun has joined the ancestors.
“In Kabiyesi, Ibadanland had a cosmopolitan and well-experienced Olubadan, who made indelible marks on the sands of history and achieved greatly within a short while.
“On behalf of the government and good people of the state, I condole with the immediate family of the Oba Balogun, the Olubadan-in-Council, the state Traditional Council and the people of Ibadanland. It is my prayer that God grants repose to the soul of our late monarch.”
“The passing of Oba Dr. Balogun marks the end of an era for Ibadanland, leaving behind a profound void in its rich history and heritage,” he added.
The late Olubadan was born on October 18, 1942.
The late Olubadan was a British-trained PhD holder, a former university lecturer, a former management staff member of Shell British Petroleum, a former governorship candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party, a former Senator and a successful businessman.
He was survived by their wives, children, and grandchildren.