By Laolu Elijah, Ibadan

Following the demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, late Thursday night, numerous ssympathizers have thronged the Alarere and Aliiwo residences of the late monarch. 

At the Alarere residence, clusters of people were seen in the expansive compound discussing the sudden death of the monarch. 

Meanwhile, at the Aliiwo family house of the late Balogun, where there were a large number of sympathizers, preparations are in top gear for the burial ceremony.

A section of Gate-Molete Road was blocked while vehicular traffic was diverted to the other lane. Tents are being erected in preparation for the ceremony.

At the cemetery where other former kings are buried, some men were busy digging the grave very close to the last king from the Aliiwo family.

At the cemetery of the past kings from the Aliiwo family, Vanguard observed that about six other kings had been buried there. 

Before his burial at 4 p.m. today (Friday), there will be a lying-in-state at the ancient Mapo Hall by 1 p.m. 

Ibadan residents shift attention to Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s residence.

According to the linear arrangement on the throne of Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is the next in the hierarchy to become the next Olubadan. There are two lines to the Olubadan stool: the Olubadan line and the Balogun line.

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who is the current Balogun of Ibadanland, is the head of the military line (Balogun) of the Olubadan.

Palace drummers who were with the late Oba Balogun 24 hours a day have relocated to Ita Baale, the family residence of Ọba Olakulehin, announcing him as the next to assume the throne.

As it is the tradition of the ancient city, while mourners wear pensive and mourning look at the palace of the late Olubadan, well wishers are having a nice time.

When Vanguard visited the place, drummers and dancers were enjoying the moment, singing that it’s their turn to produce the next Olubadan.

His enthronement is subject to the approval of Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

Meanwhile, members of the Olubadan Council visited the Alalubosa residence of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin to discuss the process leading to the enthronement of the 43rd Olubadan.

Vanguard observed that the delegation of the Ibadan kingmakers was led by the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who doubles as the Otun Olubadan.

Other members of the council who visited Oba Olakulehin are Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Amidu Ajibade, and Oba Adebayo Akande.

Though journalists were not allowed in the meeting, an impeccable source told Vanguard that two issues were discussed. They talked about giving a befitting burial to the late Olubadan and also about the process that will lead to the emergence of the new Olubadan.