Lekan Balogun crowned 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan

Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, has installed Olalekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The governor presented the staff of office to Balogun during the ceremony which took place on Friday at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the state capital.

Makinde had on February 14 approved Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan.

The governor’s approval came after the Olubadan-in-Council recommended Balogun as the next king.

Balogun succeeds Saliu Adetunji who died on January 2, 2022, at the age of 93

There had been a controversy over who would succeed Adetuji following the crisis generated by the elevation of some Ibadan high chiefs to the position of beaded crown-wearing kings by Abiola Ajimobi, late governor of the state.

Speaking after his installation, Balogun assured the people of Ibadanland and Nigeria in general that he would not let them down.

“I want to assure all that I will not the people of Ibadan down. I will not let the people of Nigeria down,” Balogun said.

He thanked all the traditional rulers, serving and former governors and members of the national assembly for honouring him with their presence.

Dignitaries present at the event included Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; Atiku Abubakar, former vice-president; Dapo Abiodun, governor of Ogun state; Kayode Fayemi, governor of Ekiti state; Lamidi Adeyemi, Alaafin of Oyo; Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife; Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, Sultan of Sokoto.