Bayo Lawal, Ogundoyin, Odidiomo, Others Attend Oba Balogun’s Burial Ceremony As Makinde Endorses Olakulehin
Oyo state governor, engineer Seyi Makinde, the deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal and his wife, Chief Ajibola, alongside Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja on Saturday attended the final burial ceremony of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun in Ibadan.
Others who attended the ceremony at the Obafemi Awolowo stadium included, former Deputy Governors of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Moses Alake and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarunmi.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima represented by Justice Akiniyi Akintola, Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.
Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria Ambassador to Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai (rtd), General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Major General Obinna Onubogu, Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola; were also in attendance.
Other dignitaries in attendance were member representing Ibadan South-West/ North-West Federal Constituency, Honourable Stanley Olajide Odidiomo, religious leaders and traditional rulers.
In an address, Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde acknowledged the receipt of the recommendation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan by the Olubadan-in-Council.
Governor Makinde who disclosed that due process has been followed in the selection process, said Oba Olakulehin will be enthroned as soon as the Olubadan-designate is strong enough for the processes.
In their separate tributes to the late monarch, the representative of the family of the late Olubadan, Senator Kola Balogun, and the President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Sulaiman Ajewole appreciated governor Makinde for his support to the family, for honouring late Oba Balogun and for the completion of the Olubadan palace.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Secretary to the Oyo state government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo, extol the exceptional virtues of the late first class monarch, charging all indigenes to remember his great values in honour of Ibadanland and oneness of Nigeria
According to Corenews, despite the heavy rain that poured midway into the event, residents of Ibadan, guests, family and friends turned out in large number to honor the late traditional rulers.
