Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has backed the decision of the kingmakers to make Owolabi Olakulehin the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Following the death of Olalekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan, on March 14, Olakulehin became the next in line to ascend the throne.
However, the Otun Balogun, Abimbola Ajibola, alleged that Olakulehin was not fit for the kingship due to concerns over the health of the 84-year-old.
During a meeting at the Oja-Oba palace of the Olubadan in April, the Olubadan-in-council confirmed Olakulehin as the 43rd king of Ibadanland.
Speaking at the celebration of life organised by the state government for the late Olubadan Olalekan Balogun, Makinde 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,” Makinde said.
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“The late Olubadan lived a fulfilled life. We did things many people thought would be impossible. Myself and late Oba Balogun amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration which revolved around the enthronement of Olubadan.”
The 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun passed away after just two years on the throne.
He died at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan a few hours after admission to the facility.
His highest political role was as senator for the same central area of Oyo State that he later served as king.
He was crowned back in March 2022, becoming the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland following the death of Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji a week earlier.
Before that time, he was a lecturer at one of Nigeria’s oldest universities – Ahmadu Bello University in Zaria – having achieved a PhD in philosophy.
Also, he was a former management staff member of Shell British Petroleum, a former gubernatorial candidate of the defunct Nigeria People’s Party (NPP), and former Senator.
