Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday said he accepted the recommendation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin by the Olubadan-In-Council as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Mr Makinde said this on Saturday during the celebration of life organised by the state government for the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, who died on March 14 after a brief illness.

The governor said that he had seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-In-Council and had accepted it.

“I have accepted it and as soon as the Olubadan Designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is strong enough, he will be enthroned because due process has been followed,” Mr Makinde said.

The governor said that the late Olubadan led a fulfilled life, saying that he and the late Olubadan did things many people thought would be impossible.

“Myself and the late Oba Balogun amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration which revolved the enthronement of Olubadan,” he said.

Mr Makinde said that the state House of Assembly on May 26, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy law of Oyo State and the governor no longer needs to consult the Council of Chief for the declaration of oba.  

Speaking about the late Balogun, ex-Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai (retd), described him as a philanthropist and lover of people.

Mr Buratai said that the late Balogun served Oyo State and Nigeria in general through various charitable efforts.

Also speaking, the Olowu of Owukuta, Oba Adekunle Hammed, said that the late Olubadan promoted unity within Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

Mr Hammed said that the reign of the late Balogun witnessed several transformations and his contribution to the development of the state would never be forgotten.

The event was attended by dignitaries within the state and Nigeria.
(NAN)