Amid Tension, Kingmakers Announce Olubadan-elect

Of the 11 members of the Olubadan-in-Council, 10 have given their full support for the nomination of Lekan BaloG0n as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Added to this, the council on Wednesday, January 5, dismissed claims that a legal tussle could thwart the succession to the Olubadan throne, The Nation reports.

The council’s position was made public by Osi BaloG0n of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, during a briefing by the kingmakers on Wednesday.

According to Ajibola, the kingmakers agreed that by standing tradition, BaloG0n is next in line to ascend the throne of Olubadan

He also denied rumours that BaloG0n at the moment is not in good health and as such unfit for the throne.

Earlier, following the passing on of Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Lekan BaloG0n was the Otun Olubadan, next in line to be king.

However, in a letter dated Monday, January 3, and addressed to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state, Michael Lana, a former attorney-general of Oyo state said installing BaloG0n as king would amount to an aberration and illegality while noting that he was not fit to be crowned as the next Olubadan of Ibadan.

The lawyer said BaloG0n, some high chiefs and Baales were illegally conferred with their titles by Abiola Ajimobi, former governor of the state.