Family members, friends, and well-wishers of Chief Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, next in line to become Olubadan of Ibadanland, have continued to troop into the Aliiwo Compound and Alarere in Ibadan, for celebration.
The two compounds had started playing host to visitors, shortly after the news of the demise of the current Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, was announced yesterday.
Trending yesterday was the video of traditional drummers seen singing songs of praises for the incoming Olubadan to the admiration of family members and well-wishers at the Ali-iwo compound.
Also, at the residence of Chief Balogun, a former Senator, at Alarere, near Iwo Road interchange Ibadan, community heads, family members, and other well-wishers were seen in large numbers waiting to meet the incoming Olubadan.
Few of the visitors were, however, allowed to meet Balogun in his private room, while others were disallowed by security personnel guarding the house.
Some of the family members who spoke with NAN expressed joy for making it possible for their family to produce another Olubadan after long years of waiting.
On the other hand, the palace of the late monarch, Oba Saliu Adetunji at Popoyemoja was locked down, as sympathisers trooped in to catch the glimpse of the corps of late Oba Adetunji, who was interred at exactly 4:55pm.
Meanwhile, the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council were absent at the burial, except High Chief Rasheed Ladoja, who accompanied the deputy governor, who represented Governor Makinde.
Other prominent personalities who attended the burial include; a former governor of the state, Otunba Adebayo Alao Akala, former and present President of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Bayo Oyero and Prince Yemisi Adeaga, Fuji icon, Alhaji Wasiu Ayinde Marshall and Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, wife of the Osi Olubadan, Chief Rasheed Ladoja.
Eulogising the late Oba Adetunji, the deputy governor, Rauf Olaniyan, who represented Gov. Makinde, said before he (Oba Adetunji) became the Olubadan, people had been tasting from his word of experience, from his philanthropic nature for more than 60 years.
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, earlier in his condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said the late monarch gave his all to see that Ibadanland is developed and took its pride of place as one of the major cities in Africa.
Meanwhile, the 93-year-old Oba Adetunji, who ascended the throne in March 2016, was said to have died early hours of Sunday at the University College Hospital in Ibadan, Oyo state.
Add Comment