By Oluseye Ojo
Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State will be agog today as the state government gives the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, late Oba Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, a state burial.
The monarch had joined his ancestors on Thurday , March 14, this year, and was buried on Fridah March 15, after reigning for two years.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters in the state, Chief Segun Olayiwola, said the state burial ceremony organised by the state government, would hold at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium (former Liberty Stadium), Oke-Ado, Ibadan.
Dignitaries from all walks of life have been invited to grace the occasion. Makinde had in March promised a benefiting burial for the late king during a condolence visit to the family of the late Olubadan.
“We can describe the late monarch in many ways. First, he was one of the few cerebral individuals to become Olubadan of Ibadanland. He was very educated and an intellectual. He took issues intellectually, and for that reason, we know that we have lost a monarch.
“Secondly, he was a politician of note. He was a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria between 1999 and 2003, and he climbed the ladder to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland. Moving forward, his legacies and memories will chart a course for us, not only in Ibadanland but in the state and Nigeria,” the governor said.
The name of Olubadan-elect, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is still before the governor, awaiting his approval, as the 43rd Olubadan, having been duly nominated by the Ibadan kingmakers.