Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Monday February 14, 2022, announced the approval of the appointment of Senator (Dr) Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In a statement signed by Taiwo Adisa, spokesperson to Governor Makinde, wishing the newly confirmed Olubadan a peaceful and eventful reign stated that the approval follows a recommendation by the Olubadan-in-Council.
The statement stated, “I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Lekan Balogun as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“The appointment is in line with the Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration, as well as the unique and time-tested tradition of our people.
“On behalf of the government and good people of Oyo State, I wish the newly confirmed Olubadan a successful reign blessed with peace and unprecedented progress.”
The Governor equally approved the revocation of the amended Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration regulating the selection to the Olubadan of Ibadan chieftaincy stool.
The statement noted that the governor made the revocation order, dated February 11, 2022, in line with the powers conferred on him by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), in view of the Judgements of the Oyo State High Court on February 1 and 10 as well as Sections 7, 20,26 and 30 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State 2000.
The four separate laws/White Papers approved for revocation were made public by the immediate past administration between 2017 and 2018.
The statement listed the laws/white papers to include the amended declaration regulating the selection to the Olubadan Chieftaincy stool, published in August 2017; the implementation of the White Paper on the review of the existing Olubadan of Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other chieftaincies in Ibadan, Published in August 2017; the approval of the appointment of beaded crowns for the Olubadan in Council published March 2018 and the appointment of Beaded crowns and Coronet Wearing Obas published in March 2018.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan-designate has adopted the royal title, Ali Okunmade II.
His name and title on the throne will be Oba Sen. (Dr.) Moshood Olalekan Ishola Balogun-Aliiwo, (Ali Okunmade II).
Balogun royal title evolved from his family compound name, Aliiwo and he will be the second monarch produced by the family.
