The Olubadan-In-Council has endorsed the Otun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadan.
It has been reported that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, joined his ancestors on Sunday at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State.
The first-class traditional ruler, who was the 41st king of the ancient city, has since been buried according to Islamic rites.
Following the death of the revered monarch, Balogun who is currently the Otun Olubadan is next in line to the throne.
However, a former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in the state, Michael Lana, has opposed the plan to appoint Balogun as the new Olubadan in a letter addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde.
But after a two-hour closed-door meeting on Monday, the High Chiefs endorsed Senator Balogun as the next king.
The council maintained that it would follow tradition in naming the next Olubadan despite the controversy surrounding the succession plan.
According to the council, it would meet and announce the next Olubadan in line with tradition after the mourning of Oba Adetunji is over.
It was learned that Ladoja and two other members of the council were absent at the meeting which was held at the residence of Senator Balogun.
The statement by the council reads: “Following the demise of the 41st Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, on Sunday, members of the Olubadan-in-Council on Monday condoled with the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, the people of Ibadanland and family members of the late monarch.
Rising from a two-hour closed-door meeting held at the Alarere residence of Otun Olubadan and the would-be successor to the throne, Sen. Dr. Lekan Balogun, the Olubadan-in- Council described the deceased leader of the Council as an indefatigable ruler, whose reign would be difficult to forget.
While praying for the repose of the soul of the departed king, the council urged the bereaved family of the deceased to remain joyous and happy for the legacies of good reign left behind by their patriarch.
The council reiterated that the historical and traditional succession plan to the throne of Olubadan remains sacrosanct, the elevation conferred on all the members of the Olubadan-in-Council as Royal Majesties notwithstanding.
Members of the council were elevated to the Royal Majesties status by the previous administration in the state, led by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, and it became contentious and litigious”.
It added: “There should be no controversy as to who becomes the next Olubadan amongst us as the previous elevation that made us Royal Majesties did not in anyway affect our respective offices in the Olubadan-in-Council and would not preclude any of us to mount the Olubadan throne whenever it is the person’s turn.
“We are the kingmakers and we will do the needful at the appropriate time. For now, we are still all in the mourning mood of our departed father and revered leader in the Council and we just want to assure the generality of our people, both home and in the Diaspora, that there’s no cause for alarm.”
