Kingmakers meet on ratification of Balogun as Olubadan

Kingmakers of the Olubadan-in-Council, yesterday, met for about two hours at the ancient Oja’ba Palace of Olubadan, Ibadan, with a view to ratifying the next monarch.

The move followed the demise of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogunguniso I.

Although the nine High Chiefs (excluding former Oyo State Governor, who is also the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rasidi Ladoja), did not allow journalists access to the meeting, it was learnt they statutorily ratified the candidacy of High Chief Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, as next to occupy the stool.

Those in attendance are: Asipa Olubadan of Ibadanland (High Chief Eddy Oyewole); Ekerin Olubadan, High Chief Abiodun Kola Daisi; Balogun Olubadan (High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun (High Chief Tajudeen Abiola; and Osi Balogun (High Chief Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe).

Others are: Asipa Balogun (High Chief Kola Adegbola); Ekerin Balogun (High Chief Olubunmi Osioye); and Iyalode of Ibadanland (Chief Mrs. Theresa Oladuntan Oyekanmi), who was said to be indisposed but gave assent to the ratification.

The Head, Local Government Administration, Mrs. Grace Aremu, represented the state government.

After the event, the kingmakers departed, declining to speak with journalists who had asked for the outcome of the deliberation.

They left for the Oyo State Government Secretariat to report their decision to Governor Seyi Makinde.

A source said the absence of Ladoja might not be unconnected with his position that the High Chiefs, who were crowned as Oba by the late Abiola Ajimobi, must first withdraw their lawsuits before processes for installation of the next Olubadan can be completed.