By Richard Thomas: Ibadan
The Olubadan of Ibadan land His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr) Lekan Balogun the Alli Okunmade II has said that as long as the history exists, he envisaged a very much bigger , peaceful, progressive and prosperous Ibadan land
The revered monarch stated this on Tuesday while fielding questions from newsmen in his Alarere Palace as part of activities to mark his 81st birthday celebrations.
The Olubadan Oba Dr. (Senator) Lekan Balogun who clocks 81 years today Wednesday, October 18, 2023, thank God for spearing his life to witness the day and for immeasurable blessings on him.
The monarch while praying for better progress of Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria at large, predicted bigger Ibadan, adding that as long as history exists, Ibadan will continue to exist.
“As much as history remains, Ibadan will continue to exist , I envisage a peaceful, progressive and prosperous Ibadan, Ibadan is a work in progress, so I want our people to be expecting more good things.”
The monarch admonished sons and daughters of the ancient city to continue to work hard and pray for a more prosperity and progressive Ibadan land, adding the city has the resources and potential to achieve the feat.
Oba Moshood Balogun who studied overseas for his first, second and third degrees expressed gratitude to the Almighty God for granting him wealth, health and successful reign since his coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He said, “God has been so wonderful to me, what else should I ask for?, I have built houses, God has done uncountable blessings for me and He’s still doing it because I’m still alive, there is nothing I asked for that he has not done for me, so I’m so grateful to him for going this far.”
While commenting on the traditional norm of consulting the Ifa oracle in the selection of kings in Yorubaland, Oba Olalekan said, the Ifa oracle remains the best option in picking who will occupy the throne, but said however that such actions varies according to the traditions of each town.”
The monarch while responding to question on why most chieftaincy matters are always occasioned by litigations in some part of Yorubaland said, “it is a good development, as long as democracy is existing, litigation would continue to be a means that injustices can be addressed.”
