A lying in state has been held in honor of late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun at the ancient Mapo hall, Oja’ba Ibadan.
Our correspondent reports that the event which was to allow dignitaries pay last respect to the late monarch had in attendance Ibadan chiefs, religious and market leaders government functionaries, sons and daughters of Ibadanland.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Otun Olubadan and former governor of Oyo state, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, Maye Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi, Chief Dotun Sanusi, senator Kola Balogun and family members of the late Olubadan.
Speaking shortly before the commencement of the lying In state, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, said that the Ibadan traditional system remained unchanged noting that the seat of Olubadan is not vacant.
Senator Ladoja who revealed that there is no controversy in the appointment of new olubadan added that Olubadan in council will embark on the Coronation process of new olubadan immediate after the burial of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Balogun.
Also speaking with newsmen, Maye Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi, praised the ancestors of Ibadanland who established the well organized and unshakable traditional system.
Chief Alabi who urged Ibadan Indigenes to take solace in the fact that Oba Balogun lived a meaningful life called for maximum support for the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Prayer was later offered to the repose of the deceased and the family he left behind
