Following the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, on Thursday, March 14, at the age of 81, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is set to ascend to the throne as the next Olubadan, pending approval from Governor Seyi Makinde.
Governor Makinde confirmed the monarch's demise in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, stating that Oba Balogun passed away at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. The late Olubadan will be laid to rest according to Islamic rites on Friday, March 15, at 4 pm.
As per the traditional succession order, Oba Olakulehin, who serves as the Balogun of Ibadanland and leads the military line in the Olubadan system, is next in line for the throne. Hailing from the Okugbaja family in the Ita Baale area, he is a retired serviceman with a background in the Nigerian Army. Additionally, Oba Olakulehin ventured into politics and emerged victorious in the Federal House of Representatives elections under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the 3rd Republic back in 1992.
