"Ex-Oyo Governor Ladoja: Coronation Date for New Olubadan Yet to be Set -

Former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, clarified on Friday that the coronation date for the next Olubadan of Ibadanland remains undetermined.

Ladoja made this announcement after a meeting of the Olubadan-In-Council, held at the Alalubosa residence of the current Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin. This meeting was convened following the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun, at the age of 81 on Thursday.

Addressing journalists on behalf of the Council, Ladoja, who serves as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, stated that the coronation date would be disclosed after the completion of the deceased’s burial rites.

He emphasized the Council’s prior knowledge of the next individual set to ascend the throne. Ladoja explained, “The departed monarch (Oba Balogun) hailed from the Otun line, and the next monarch will emerge from the Balogun line. Therefore, the head of the Balogun line, known as the Balogun of Ibadanland, has been designated as the next Olubadan.”

He further added, “We all understand that Ibadan follows a structured process; upon the demise of a king, the successor is already known and referred to as the designate.”

Regarding the burial arrangements for the late monarch, Ladoja mentioned, “Since the deceased adhered to the Islamic faith, he will be buried today in accordance with Islamic customs at Aliwo, his ancestral home, by 4:00 pm.”

He continued, “A lying-in-state will take place at Mapo Hall from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm before proceeding to Aliwo for burial. After the burial, prayers will be offered for the departed monarch.”

Concluding his statement, Ladoja confirmed that while the coronation date for the new Olubadan has not been set, it will be announced once the burial rites for the deceased are concluded.