In what many termed as uncommon show of love, Ibadan compound heads, for the first time in a very long time, queued behind Engr. Dotun Sanusi as the Olubadan of Ibadan, Ọba Lekan Balogun elevated him to Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Sanusi became the latest entrant to the civil line of the Olubadan chieftaincy system. Fifteen other senior chiefs, ahead of him, were also elevated on Friday.
The elevation came few weeks after the demise of senior chief Lateef Oyelade, which necessitated the movement of other chiefs behind the deceased in the civil line of Ibadan chieftaincy system.
Rather than slug it out as it is always the case when Jagun positions are to be filled, all Mogajis agreed to allow Sanusi, who apart from being the Apesinola of Ibadan, is Mogaji of Olugbade compound of Oja’ba, to fill the void, which is the entry point to the lines of succession— Otun (civil) and Balogun (military) to the throne.
Oyelade, who was until his death the Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland, had died early September, paving the way for 15 vacancies in the Otun line of the Olubadan Chieftaincy system.
With its uniqueness because of its two lines hundreds of Mogajis would have jostled for the vacant Jagun seat, while the Olubadan, together with his council, choose those to fill vacant Jagun slots. However, Sanusi’s philanthropy and kindheartedness paved the way for him.
The billionaire businessman, who owns the number hospitality facility in Oyo State, Ilaji hotels and sports resorts as well as Ibadan College of Arts, Science and Technology, ICAST, has earned accolades from within and far. This newspaper recalls that the immediate past Olubadan, Ọba Saliu Adetunji, made him the Otun Apesinola of Ibadanland for that gesture. Apart from breathing life into Akanran, headquarters of Ona-Ara local government, he recently donated 80 transformers to communities in the ancient city.
At the event which drew the new Ọbas in Ibadan, had Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye and prominent Mogajis like Ahaji Abass Oloko, Chief Nurudeen Akinade, Chief Demola Olasomi and host of others in attendance.
Sanusi, in a brief remark with newsmen at the event, thanked the Ọba Balogun and other Ibadan Obas and chiefs for the support, saying that the honour they have done him would spur him to do more.
