Governor Makinde Pays Tribute to Late Traditional Ruler, Oba Balogun, at State Burial.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed heartfelt tributes to the late first-class traditional ruler, Oba Balogun, lauding his significant contributions to the growth and development of Ibadan and Oyo State. The governor made these remarks at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan, on Saturday during the state burial organized in honor of the late Oba Balogun, who served as a senator representing the Oyo Central District between 1999 and 2003.
In his speech, Governor Makinde praised the late monarch for his collaboration with the state government, notably in the seamless review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration in 2023. He also extended his condolences to the family of Oba Dr. Balogun and the people of Ibadan and Oyo State, encouraging them to find solace in the well-lived life of the late Olubadan.
“So, I want to once again thank you all and to console the family. We all lost baba but we should take solace in the fact that baba lived a very fulfilled life,” Governor Makinde stated.
The governor also highlighted the recent amendments to the Oyo State Chiefs Law, which he believes will facilitate the installation of the next Olubadan. He announced the government’s acceptance of the recommendation of Olubadan-Elect, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, by the Olubadan-in-Council.
Makinde emphasized the collaborative efforts with the late Oba Balogun in achieving what many thought impossible. “One thing I want us to take home today is that Kabiyesi Lekan Balogun and I did what people thought Napoleon could not do. The Executive Arm of government and the Legislature, on the 26th of May, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy Law of Oyo State so that the governor does not need to go to the Council of Chiefs to amend the declaration of traditional rulers. Kabiyesi Olubadan and I amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Those who are yet to see the document can go and look for it to confirm. That is the declaration to enthrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland,” he said. He confirmed that due process had been followed and Oba Olakulehin would soon be enthroned.
Professor Olanike Adeyemo, Secretary to the State Government, also praised the virtues of Oba Balogun, recognizing him as an intellectual and patriot committed to the progress of the state. On behalf of the Balogun Family, Dr. Kola Balogun, younger brother of the late monarch and former senator representing Oyo South District, thanked Governor Makinde for his support and the dignified burial provided for the late royal father.
The event was attended by prominent figures including Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal and his wife, Mrs. Ajibola Lawal; Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; and former deputy governors of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Moses Alake, and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi.
Other notable attendees included the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima (represented by Justice Akinniyi Akintola); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; and the Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni. The ceremony also saw the presence of former Chief of Army Staff and Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant-General Tukur Buratai, among other dignitaries.
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