Index to Nigerian Newspapers

The Olubadan-in-Council endorsed Senator Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, but Rashidi Ladoja was absent from the meeting. The council members insisted that no court case would stop the appointment and installation of the next Olubadan. Other high chiefs at the media briefing included Balogun Olubadan, Owolabi Olakulehin, Otun Balogun, Eddy Oyewole, Ashipa Olubadan, Amidu Ajibade, Ekaarun Olubadan, Kola Adegbola and Ekerin Olubadan. Michael Lana has asked Governor Seyi Makinde not to allow'strangers' to mislead him on who becomes the next monarch. Lana argued that Balogun and all the high chiefs, who were crowned Obas in 2017, were unfit to be Olubadan. On Tuesday, legal representatives of the high chiefs faulted Lana's letter to the governor. Lana advised Makinde to be wary of advice from those who do not have knowledge of Ibadan chieftaincy laws.

The Olubadan-in-Council will hold a press conference today to decide on succession plan for the next Olubadan of Ibadan. Chief Lekan Balogun is widely believed to be the next Olubadan, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has applauded the peaceful reign of the late Oba Saliu Adetunji. Olubadan was a peace-loving monarch who reigned for six years in Ibadan and Oyo State. Bishop Samuel Olawode of Maranatha Cathedral compared the late monarch to King Hezekiah and stressed the need for righteous living. Oba David Omisore, the father of Senator Iyiola Omisore, has died at the age of 90.