I‘ll give Ibadan my best – Olubadan-designate

The Olubadan-designate, Dr Lekan Balogun, has promised to ensure that Ibadanland becomes an enviable African city during his reign.

Balogun stated this Tuesday while answering questions from journalists at his Alarere residence in his appreciation of the approval of his nomination by Governor Seyi Makinde and members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their support.

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Balogun was nominated as Olubadan-designate following the death of Oba Saliu Adetunji on January 2.

“I have no choice than to give Ibadan my best and with God on my side, I will be up and doing towards leaving Ibadan better than I’m meeting it,” he said.

Recalling that the journey that culminated into the new appointment began in 1986 when he became Mogaji of Aliiwo Dynasty, the new Olubadan said it was a race nobody could predict how it would end and expressed gratitude to God for the grace received to attain the ultimate height.

Asked to comment on Ibadan producing a younger monarch like other places across the country, Balogun said, “It would gladden my heart except that I would have been in my grave by that time, rejoicing with my maker. A younger person will do better because of physical ability. It would be a welcome development when and if it happens.”

Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in a statement by his media aide, Tunde Rahman, has congratulated Balogun over his appointment.

While praying for a long and eventful reign for the new Olubadan, Tinubu expressed the hope that the new monarch would deploy his tremendous skills and rich understanding of traditional institutions to promote peace and stability in Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.