Olubadan passes on, Oba Olakulehin to pick up late monarch’s mantle

As people mourn the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who died on Thursday, 14 March, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has been announced as his successor and will be crowned as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland subject to the approval of the state governor, Seyi Makinde. He Oba Olakulehin is tipped as the next in line to the late Olubadan. Confirming the death of the monarch, Governor Makinde, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said Oba Balogun died at the University College Hospital, Ibadan. The late monarch, who was born on October 18, 1942, reigned for two years. He will be buried according to Islamic rights today, Friday 15 March at 4 pm. The next in line, Olakulehin, who heads the Balogun line, according to the news media, hails from Ita Baale in Ibadan North East Local Government. He was a member of the  House of Representative in the Third Republic. Palace drummers are expected to move in procession from Alli-Iwo to the Ita Baale Palace of Oba Olakulehin, proclaiming his emblematic ascension to the throne.