The Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, Senator Lekan Balogun, may be next in line, as the Olubadan of Ibadan.
This followed the demise of Oba Saliu Adetunji and in accordance with the laid down hierarchy of ascension to the Ibadan throne.
The hierarchical arrangement in the Ibadan system has a two line approach, the Balogun system and the Olubadan (Otun) system.
Olubadans are appointed on a rotational basis to occupy the stool on the death of a monarch. The next to Olubadan and most senior on both lines are the Otun Olubadan and Balogun.
Oba Saliu Adetunji was crowned the 41st Olubadan of Ibadan following his coronation on March 4, 2016.
Prior to his coronation, Oba Adetunji was the Balogun of Ibadan land which indicates that the Otun Olubadan, Senator Lekan Balogun may be next in line according to the rotational system.
Oba Adetunji passed away in the early hours of Sunday at the University College Hospital (UCH) in Ibadan, Oyo State at the age of 93.
Meanwhile, prominent Nigerians have been reacting to the passage of the Ibadan monarch
Ekiti State Governor and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi on Sunday commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde on the demise of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji who joined his ancestors on Sunday at the age of 93 years.
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Yinka Oyebode, Governor Fayemi described the late Olubadan as an exemplary leader who did not allow old age to hamper his passion for the development of Ibadan and Oyo State as a whole.
The governor who described the death of Oba Adetunji as the exit of a great and true leader of the people, stated that the late monarch’s contributions to the promotion of Yoruba cultural heritage and peaceful coexistence among different groups in Ibadanland and the country cannot be overstated.
Dr Fayemi said Oba Adetunji would also be remembered for his indelible marks and service as a custodian of the people’s cultural heritage and traditions, especially at a time when many are abandoning their cultural heritage for foreign culture.
“I received the news of Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadanland with shock. Oba Adetunji was a man of wisdom who had served his people well despite becoming the Olubadan at an old age. He was an inspiring and emulative leader par excellence. He would be sorely missed for the fatherly roles he played as a royal father.
“On behalf of my wife, the government and the people of Ekiti State, I commiserate with the people of Ibadan as well as the Government and people of Oyo State on this great loss. May God grant eternal rest to the departed royal father and give his family the fortitude to bear the loss”, the governor said.
In the same vein, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the death of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji as a big loss to Oyo state and Yoruba race.
In a statement by his media office and signed by his media aide, Tunde Rahman on Sunday, Tinubu condoled with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and the people of Ibadan.
The former governor of Lagos state said the late monarch was a successful businessman and music promoter who uplifted the careers of many top musicians in Nigeria.
He said, “I received the news of the transition of highly-referred royal father, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Adetunji Saliu, Aje Ogungunniso I, with sadness. Kabiyesi passed on at the ripe age of 93, which we are extremely grateful to God for. But this demise has robbed us of his wisdom and wise counseling. He never withheld his deep insights and rich perspectives from those who sought his guidance.
“Particularly coming shortly after the death of another top ranking traditional ruler in Yorubaland and precisely in Oyo State, this passing truly rankles. The late Olubadan was a sage. He was humble, humane, mature, calm and decent, always a symbol of unruffled dignity.
“Before he mounted the throne, Oba Adetunji had made his name as a successful businessman and music and entertainment promoter who contributed a lot to uplift the careers of many top musicians in the land, thus contributing his quota to the growth of our country’s economy.
“On the throne, the late Olubadan worked assiduously for peace and stability of not only Ibadanland, Oyo State and Yorubaland, but also the entire country. He superintended over the ancient city with even-handedness.
Tinubu said he would miss the monarch because he had a close partnership with him.
“I had a close personal relationship with Kabiyesi and I will deeply miss him. My condolences to his family, particularly the Oloris, Mogajis and the princes. May God Almighty comfort them.
“I commiserate with Governor Seyi Makinde, the government and people of the state who would now have to endure the demise of another top traditional ruler barely three weeks after the passing of the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Jimoh Oyewumi, Ajagungbade 111.” he said.
Tinubu also extended his condolence to the sons and daughters of Ibadanland.
The governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Sunday, also expressed shock at the passing of the Olubadsn, describing him as an exemplar in royalty.
Makinde, stated that the demise of the royal icon, who he described as a great leader of his people and an exemplary royal father, was painful despite his old age, adding that his wisdom and wealth of experience would be sorely missed.
The governor expressed his condolences to the immediate family of the Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-Council and all Ibadan indigenes as well as the Oyo State Traditional Council.
Makinde, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, said the late monarch gave his all to see that Ibadanland is developed and took its pride of place as one of the major cities in Africa.
His words: “The news of the death of our father, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, came as a shock.”
“Kabiyesi’s exit at this time is painful, to say the least. His wealth of experience, his immense wisdom and his commitment to seeing a greater Ibadan and a better Oyo State are unrivalled.”
“Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria and humanity at large will miss Kabiyesi, who was ever ready to give his all to see a better society.”
“I commiserate with his immediate family, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and all Ibadan indigenes at home and abroad on the demise of our father.”
“I equally extend my condolences to the Oyo State Traditional Council and pray to God to keep all our Obas safe and give them more years to direct the affairs of our people, especially as Olubadan’s death is coming on the heels of the demise of the Soun of Ogbomosoland and Asigangan of Igangan. May God grant them all eternal rest,” Makinde prayed.
