The remains of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Lekan Balogun have been buried at his Ali-Iwo ancestral family home.
Chief Imam of Ibadanland Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere led the Muslim faithful to pray for the late monarch on Friday before his body was laid to rest.
Dignitaries who witnessed the burial include Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Wole Oyelese, Daud Akinola, the late king’s younger, Kola Balogun; and some officials of Oyo State Government.
Earlier, the king’s remains were laid in a transparent casket at Mapo Hall in Ibadan for the lying-in-state ceremony.
Speaking with journalists at the venue, former governor of Oyo State Rashidi Ladoja said the Ibadan traditional system remains unchanged, adding that the Olubadan seat is not vacant.
Ladoja stated that there is no rancour and controversy regarding the selection of the new Olubadan.
Balogun of Ibadanland Oba Olakulehin to emerge new Olubadan
The ex-governor, also the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan, added that the date for the coronation of a new Olubadan would be announced once burial rites are completed for Oba Balogun.
“What we are saying is that there is no vacuum at all. We know who is going to be the next Olubadan. In Ibadan, we are known to be very peaceful people; there’s no rancour. As soon as the burial rites are completed, we will give a date for the coronation of the next Olubadan,” he said.
Subject to the approval of Governor Seyi Makinde, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is next in line to be crowned Olubadan.
Oba Balogun, who reigned for two years, died at the age of 81 on Thursday night at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, after a brief illness.
