President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, has declared that Ibadanland will witness prosperity and development during the reign of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Lekan Balogun.
In the same vein a former Minister of Transport and Aviation, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said the new traditional ruler will ensure the development of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
The duo said these in two separate messages to congratulate Oba Lekan Balogun on his recent appointment as the new Olubadan by the state governor, ‘Seyi Makinde.
In a letter, NASS/9th/S/SP/E/01/43, dated 15 February, 2022, the Senate President wrote: “I write to extend to Your Royal Majesty my sincere congratulations and best wishes on your appointment as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland to the throne of your forefathers.
“Whereas your appointment to ascend the throne of your forefathers is an honour well deserved, it serves to thrust upon you the responsibility of promoting and upholding the cultural values, traditions and heritage of the people of Ibadanland.
“I have implicit confidence in your capability to deliver on the mandate of the office and usher in prosperity and a peaceful reign to the people of Ibadanland.Congratulations once again and be assured of my goodwill at all times.”
In a related development, former Minister of Transport and Aviation, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, said Ibadan would witness an unprecedent development during the reign of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.
The former minister, who is popularly known as Ebino Topsy, said this in his congratulatory message to Oba Balogun on his elevation to the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Babatope, in a statement by his personal assistant, Mr Odeyemi Samuel, described the new Olubadan as a man of radical bend during his days as a student in London.
The former minister, who said he has been a friend of the new traditional ruler for over 50 years, went down the memory lane and recalled that Oba Balogun is an intellect of repute, a pan-Africanist and an author who wrote many books.
He said one of the books by the newly-appointed traditional ruler, “Nigeria: The People Must Decide”, will remain a documentary source on the history of Nigeria and its people.
