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Tag: Olubadan

  • BREAKING! New Olubadan emerges

    BREAKING! New Olubadan emerges

    Kingmakers have announced Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    This is following Oba Lekan Balogun’s death on March 14, 2024.

    The nomination of Olakulehin was put forward by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Lateef Adebimpe, during the meeting chaired by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja.

    Among the members of the Olubadan-in-Council present at the meeting were 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. Notably absent was the Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola.

    Oba Owolabi Olakulehin who was previously the Balogun of Ibadanland hails from Ita Baale in Ibadan North East Local Government.

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

  • JUST IN: Finally, kingmakers nominate next Olubadan

    JUST IN: Finally, kingmakers nominate next Olubadan

    Finally, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has been nominated as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Olubadan in Council which is the Traditional Kingmakers of Ibadanland agreed to name Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan, being the Most Senior High Chief in the Balogun line of Olubadan Chieftaincy Ascension.

    He was nominated by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe.

    Details later…

  • Olubadan died when he was most needed – Oyo ALGON

    Olubadan died when he was most needed – Oyo ALGON

    The Association of Local Government Chairmen of Nigeria (ALGON),Oyo State Chapter, has described  the  late Olubadan of Ibadanland,Oba Lekan Balogun, as a peace-maker ,saying he died when he was most needed in Ibadan and Nigeria,in general.

    The State AlGON Chairman, Mr Sikiru Sanda ,said this during the 8-day fidau prayer for the late traditional ruler on Friday in Ibadan.

    Sanda, who is the Chairman of Egbeda Local Government Council of the state, said that the late Olubadan was  a very pleasant man ,loved  by everyone in his domain.

    “His death came to us as a rude shock, we felt bad about, it is a great loss to the nation and we have accepted God decision.

    “We are going to miss him owing  to his contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria, in general.”,he said.

    In his sermon, Prof. Kamil Oloso, former lecturer at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan, called on everyone to always do good and remember the  Judgment Day.

    Oloso said that there was no doubt that everyone would be resurrected to account for his or her deeds while on earth.

    Quoting chapter 75 vs 1 :5 of the Holy Quran ,the  Islamic scholar said those that do good while earth would surely  reap bountifully on  the Day of Judgment.

    He called on  citizens ,especially those with means , to always  assist those in need.

    The 8-day fidau prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland,Shelkh AbdulGaniyu Agbotomokekere.

    Christian clerics and traditional religion worshippers also prayed for the repose of the late traditional ruler’s soul.

    Present at the occasion were members of immediate and extended families of the late Olubadan; the  Olubadan-In-Council,Magajis,Baales, and  chairmen of local government councils in Ibadan.

    Other were President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Alhaji Sulaimon Ajewole, Ibadan traditional title holders, among others.

    Balogun, who ascended the throne on March 11,2022, died on March 14,2024, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, after  a brief illness.

  • Late Olubadan’s enviable qualities stood him out – Obasanjo

    Late Olubadan’s enviable qualities stood him out – Obasanjo

    Former president Olusegun Obasanjo, has described the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olalekan Balogun, as “shocking”

    In a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Kehinde Akinyemi on Friday in Abeokuta, Obasanjo said the news was received with great shock and profound sadness.

    Recall that Oba Olalekan Balogun who is the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan land, joined his ancestors on Thursday in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Obasanjo who is currently in Baku, Azerbaijan, attending the 11th Global Baku Forum, said the late traditional ruler left  enviable qualities, which clearly stood him out, including an impeccable record of incorruptible leadership.

    The former president added that the late Olubadan’s contributions to the political, social and economic life of Ibadan, Oyo State and indeed, Nigeria, would remain indelible in the hearts of those who had interacted with him in politics and in social-economic life.

    “A decent and amiable gentleman; he commanded the respect and admiration of his peers and associates. Like most great leaders, he was all things to all men.

    “To his family, he was a tower of strength and a committed provider.

    “To his community of Ibadan, he was an early model in national leadership; to his Yoruba kinsmen, he was a worthy ambassador of all things noble about them.

    “To the rest of Nigeria, he was a symbol of a nation’s epic struggle in self-discovery and self actualisation,” Obasanjo said.

    According to Obasanjo, the late Olubadan will be remembered as a foremost nationalist, patriot and custodian of cultural and traditional values.

    He added that the late traditional ruler gave his best while in the service of the nation with distinction and commitment to the high ideals of the public service.

    “This is particularly during his service as the senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

    The former President also said Oba Olalekan Balogun’s passage was like a dream, especially as he left at a crucial state in the nation’s history when his wise counsel and rich experience were greatly needed.

    “I urge Gov. Seyi Makinde, Olubadan-in-Council, all members of his immediate and extended family as well as the entire good people of Ibadanland, people of Oyo state at large to take solace in the worthy legacy and  mark on history of Nigeria  he left behind.

    “In fact, we ought to give gratitude to God for his worthy life.

    “I pray that Almighty Allah will grant you all the strength to bear this great and irreparable loss. And may He grant the late Oba Al-Janah Firdaus,” Obasanjo said.

  • Olakulehin family head reacts to choice of Olubadan-designate

    Olakulehin family head reacts to choice of Olubadan-designate

    The Head of the Olakulehin clan in Ibadan, Pa Popoola Olabode Olakulehin, on Friday expressed great delight with the choice of the next Olubadan of Ibadan shifting to his family.

    Olakulehin told NAN that it was a surprise to him when the news broke out.

    “It is a thing of joy for us and we are grateful to God for this, even as I pray for the repose of the soul of the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan  Balogun, Ali Okumade II, and pray that God grant him eternal rest.

    “I also pray for the new Olubadan-elect, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Balogun of Ibadanland, as he prepares to ascend the throne as the 43rd Olubadan, and pray for his reign to be peaceful.

    “God should grant the new Olubadan-elect good health in the position,” he said.

  • Next Olubadan already known to Ibadan people – Ladoja

    Next Olubadan already known to Ibadan people – Ladoja

    Chief  Rashidi Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State and Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Friday said people of the ancient city already know the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Ladoja told newsmen that Ibadan already has an Olubadan-designate and there is no question about that, following Thursday’s demise of Oba Lekan Balogun.

    He spoke after a meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council at the Alalubosa residence of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the new Oba-designate.

    “The departed Oba Balogun came from the Otun line, and the next monarch will be from the Balogun line.

    “So, the head of Balogun line is the Balogun of Ibadanland, who has become the Olubadan-designate.

    “We all know that Ibadan does things accordingly If a king dies, we already know who is next, we refer to him as designate.

    “We are only here to formalise what is next after the burial rites of the deceased would have been completed.”

    Ladoja also said the meeting discussed how to give a befitting burial to the deceased.

    “Since the deceased was a Muslim, his remains must be buried in the Islamic way, and the Islamic way is that he has to be buried today (Friday).

    “So, it has been decided that he will be buried today (Friday) at Aliiwo, which is his ancenstral home by 4 p.m.”

    The former governor however said there was no date yet for the coronation of a new Olubadan.

    “But the date shall be announced as soon as the burial rites for the deceased were completed,” he said.

  • Olubadan: Oyo Senator, Alli mourns late monarch, says he left good legacies behind

    Olubadan: Oyo Senator, Alli mourns late monarch, says he left good legacies behind

    Barrister Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, has mourned the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun.

    Oba Balogun passed away on Thursday after a brief illness.

    Senator Alli noted that the deceased Olubadan left good legacies, saying he  would be remembered by many people for years.

    Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District, said this via a statement made available to pressmen on Friday.

    The traditional ruler represented Oyo Central Senatorial District between 1999 and 2003.

    While mourning the late Oba, Senator  Alli noted that his legacies cannot be forgotten in a hurry, describing his death as a monumental loss.

    “It is a monumental loss not only for the people of Ibadan, but for the entire state.

    “Balogun’s relatively short but impactful reign marked a period of unity, progress and community development.

    “I join the people of Ibadanland in mourning the loss of a beloved monarch and leader. I stand in solidarity with the community in honouring the legacy and contributions of Oba Balogun,” he said.

     

  • Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olalekan Balogun is dead

    Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olalekan Balogun is dead

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, has passed away.

    News of the death of the 82-year-old Ibadan traditional ruler was confirmed by his media aide, Dele Ogunsola, on late Thursday evening.

    Oba Balogun died at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan few hours after admission at the Hospital.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first-class traditional ruler ascended the throne on March 11, 2022 after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Saliu Adetunji.

    Details to follow…

  • Olubadan suspends Egungun festival

    Olubadan suspends Egungun festival

    The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Sunday directed the suspension of the ongoing Egungun festival over reported cases of violence, arson and looting of shops.

    A statement issued on Sunday in Ibadan by the Olubadan’s Personal Assistant on Media, Mr Oladele Ogunsola, said the atrocities were perpetrated by some hoodlums hiding under the cover of the Egungun festival in Ibadan.

    Olubadan equally summoned all the leaders of masquerades known as ‘Alaagbaa’ in Ibadan land, to an emergency meeting on Monday afternoon, at the ancient Aliiwo palace, Agodi in Ibadan.

    The traditional ruler expressed sadness over the reported cases of violence accompanying the annual festival, “the video of which has gone viral”.

    He described the development as unfortunate and an affront on his palace, because he had warned against turning the festival into avenue to wreak havoc.

    It would be recalled that Oba Balogun had on Wednesday condemned the violence reported during the festival at Alafara area.

    “As if the warning was just a blabbing, the same thing was reported on Saturday on a scale that made the previous one a child’s play.

    “I warned seriously against what is happening when the festival was to commence and the assurances I got then were that nothing untoward would accompany the festival.

    “But, the reports coming to me have been at variance with those assurances I earlier got from the masquerades’ leaders.

    “No responsible leader would fold his arms when majority of those subjects one superintendents over are in agony and living in perpetual fear just because of the activities of a few misguided elements who find it difficult to be law abiding.

    “This is why the suspension clause has to be invoked and how long it lasts would be determined by the outcome of the meeting of Monday afternoon,” Olubadan said.

    Oba Balogun insisted that the ugly past when the masquerade festival was usually a period of terror when perceived enemies became targets of attack and violence had been buried a long time ago and any attempt to exhume it would be met with stiff sanctions.

    He called on the security agencies to remain up and doing, ensure no culprit is spared, “whoever flouts the suspension order under whatever guise, must be handled like a criminal.

    “I’m for peace and there’s zero tolerance for whatever it is that will not give my people peace of mind,” Olubadan stated.

  • My target is to become Olubadan – Ladoja

    My target is to become Olubadan – Ladoja

    High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun-Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Wednesday in Ibadan said he was not interested in wearing any other crown except the Olubadan crown.

    Ladoja told newsmen at his residence after the Eid prayers that it has always been his target to become an Olubadan and was not going to wear any other crown

    There had been widespread speculation that the Ibadan high chiefs would be installed as beaded crown-wearing kings from July 7.

    Some high chiefs who were crowned during the administration of the late Abiola Ajimobi had surrendered the crowns after an out-of-court settlement.

    This was to pave way for Oba Lekan Balogun’s ascension to the Olubadan throne.

    However, Ladoja said information at his disposal revealed that the high chiefs were now seeking permission to resume wearing of their surrendered crowns.

    Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, said it was illegal for any Ibadan high chief to think he can resume wearing an already-surrendered beaded crown.

    He said there would not have been a new Olubadan of Ibadan by now if the high chiefs had failed to surrender their crowns and withdrew the case in court.

    “I joined the Olubadan line on Oct. 1, 1993. I joined as ‘Jagun Olubadan’ and my target was to become Olubadan. I did not expect that I was going to wear any beaded crown on the way.

    “If I wanted to do that, I would have become the ‘Baale’ of my village and I will be called ‘Baale’. Our role as high chiefs is to advise and support the Olubadan, not to wear crown with him,” Ladoja said.

    The former governor said he as an individual was not interested in any other crown apart from that of Olubadan of Ibadanland, adding “only God chooses kings in Ibadan”.

    Ladoja expressed dismay at the fact that some high chiefs want to short-circuit the system, saying such was alien to the Ibadan tradition.

    He said that it was not fair or right to have high chiefs as kings, adding there was no need to mend what was not broken.

    “I told them the story of Aliiwo. When Aliiwo was coming from Iwo, he passed through Lagun village where he left his followers to stay with other warriors in Ibadan.

    “If he had wanted to become Onilagun of Lagun, he would have done so. But people who started Ibadan said that they want to rule themselves. They want to rule the villages from the town,” the Otun-Olubadan said.

    The former governor added that he would however not go to court on the matter, saying there was no issue in the agitation of the high chiefs.

    Ladoja said that any Ibadan indigene can go to court over such issues since every bonafide Ibadan man is a potential king.