Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on Tuesday visited the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Saliu Adetunji at Popo-Yemoja where he said Ibadan traditional institution must be reverted to its original concept.
Makinde said he had heard enough on the controversy surrounding who or who was not to be installed as the next Olubadan of Ibadan, including other narratives around the matter.
Lekan Balogun is being touted as the successor, although he needs the governor’s ratification.
“This will be the last time there will be controversy on the next person to ascend to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Makinde said.
He assured natives of Ibadan that his administration would do what was right to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the traditional institution of the land.
“Today, Baba (Oba Adetunji) is not with us, but what he stood for is with us.
“The history of Ibadan traditional institution cannot be completely narrated without acknowledging what baba stood and fought for.
“I want to assure you that there is nothing Baba has left that will be abandoned,” he said.
Makinde further announced that the departed Olubadan would get a royal and befitting burial.
“We have come here today to say that we are with you. What we can do as children is to give Baba a royal and befitting burial, and as a government, we will do just that,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the family, Abdul Raheem Adetunji appreciated the governor and his entourage for the condolence visit.
Adetunji prayed for more wisdom for the governor to succeed in leading the state.
