The Ibadan House at Oke Ibadan in Oyo State was the centre of attraction on 23rd June, 2022, as the council of the Traditional Baales of Ibadanland gathered to celebrate 100 days of Oba Lekan Balogun on the throne.
This programme was graced by eminent personalities such as Asipa Abiodun Kola Daisi, the representative of His Royal Majesty, Oba Lekan Balogun, alongside some important figures who were given awards of recognition, including media personality, Oriyomi Hamzat.
Olubadan, through his representative, appreciated the Council of Traditional Baales for their unrelenting efforts towards the growth and development of Ibadan, urging that attention should be given to the yet-to-be-completed palace, stressing that it was long overdue.
The event witnessed the launch of the Premier Almanac of participating Baales of Ibadanland chaired by Elder Taye Ayorinde of Ekotedo who emphasised the importance of togetherness among the Baales for the growth and progress of Ibadan land.
Speaking with The Pendulum Media, the chairman of Agidigbo FM, Mr Oriyomi Hamzat noted that he was happy that the Olubadan has spent 100 days on the throne and that it was an honour to receive an award from his place of origin.
He said, “I appreciate the Baales for this. There is a Yoruba adage that goes thus, ‘won o fe mi ni ile, ita ni won ti fe mi, e ni re ko naa kii be’; In translation, I am not loved by my people but love abroad is not the kind of praise that befits a successful man’.
“So, if I have been getting awards from far and wide and I did not get anything tangible from Ibadan, that means I am not recognised by my people”.
He added that it was a sign that they appreciate all he has done and is still doing for the society and the award would spur him to do more.
Other recipients of the award include the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (UI) Professor Kayode Adebowale; Mrs V.A Samson, CEO Bovas Petroleum; Baale (Barr.) Philip Ojo, amongst others.
Oba Olalekan Balogun was crowned as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan on 11th March, 2022, following the demise of the Oba Saliu Adetunji on January 2nd, 2022, at 93.
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