*Tinubu, Obasanjo Mourn
THE residence of the Balogun of Ibadanland and Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has been in celebration mood, even as drummers and praise singers await his official coronation, being next in line to the throne.
Olakulehin would be crowned as the next Olubadan subject to the approval of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The celebration came barely 48 hours after the passing of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who died at the age of 82 after a brief illness on Thursday, March 14 at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, as confirmed the governor in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
The late monarch, who ascended the throne on March 11, 2022 after the passing of Oba Saliu Adetunji, reigned for two years and was buried around 4.30pm at his Ali-Iwo ancestral home, according to Islamic rites.
Olakulehin, who heads the Balogun (military) line, hails from Ita Baale in Ibadan North East Local Council, was a member of the House of Representative in the Third Republic.
The palace drummers have moved from Alli-Iwo, the residence of the late monarch, to the Ita Baale palace of Oba Olakulehin, indicating his impending ascension to the throne.
In their reactions to the death of Balogun, President Bola Tinubu, former President Olusegun Obasanjo paid glowing tributes to the late Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
Tinubu, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, said the late Olubadan was an exceptional king who used his position to serve humanity.
Obasanjo, in a statement by his aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, noted that the late monarch left an impeccable record of incorruptible leadership, legacy of forthrightness, thoroughness and unwavering commitment to public good.
