New Olubadan assures fairness, transparency

The new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr) Moshood Lekan Balogun, has assured all sons and daughters of Ibadanland and all residents a regime of fairness and transparency.

Oba Lekan Balogun gave the assurance in an brief interview after his coronation and the presentation of staff of office which held on Friday, 11th March, 2022.

Speaking, the new oba promised to be a just monarch to his subjects; stressing that his reign is poised to make a lot of differences by virtue of his experience.

He however, solicited the cooperation and support of all and sundry in order to move Ibadan city and Oyo State forward.

The monarch also declared that henceforth, Ibadan will no longer sell its chieftaincy title, adding that the family history, as well as curriculum vitae, will form the yardstick for conferring the position of chiefs and other traditional titles on individuals.

Oba Lekan Balogun said it is imperative  to ensure that only people with high integrity are appointed as chiefs and traditional rulers in Ibadan.

It is time to set the system right, he said.

Present at the coronation was Nigeria’s Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; a former Vice President, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku, and other Prominent traditional rulers from the six states that make up southwest Nigeria.

Oba Mashod Lekan Balogun succeeds the 41st Olubadan, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, who joined his ancestors on Sunday, 2nd January this year.

Also in attendance was Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Chairman, Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Kayode Fayemi, Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun,Ondo State Deputy Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa and Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; the Deputy Chairman of Oyo State Council of traditional rulers, Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi Ojaja II, Etsu Nupe, Emir of Kano and  the Ààr¹ ÌÌnà Kakanfò of Yorùbáland, Otunba Gani Adams, were all present for the coronation rites.