A legal luminary, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, has felicitated with the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Lekan Balogun, describing him as a valuable asset to Ibadanland.
Ayorinde in a statement on Wednesday, made available to FrontPage, said the new Olubadan was rich in wisdom and would promote peace and stability in Ibadanland, and Oyo State as a whole.
He noted that the new Olubadan had been certified by all and sundry as consistently amiable, peace-loving, tolerant, stable and level-headed, adding that the qualities distinguished him among his peers.
He described the new king as a visionary and compassionate leader, who would use his influence as a respected traditional ruler to advance the progress of his people, encouraged and motivate them to give their best in their vocation and to the nation.
Ayorinde said the new Olubadan “is a peace builder and a true embodiment of commitment to service, a leader who dedicated his life to the welfare of the people.”
The statement reads in part: “Greetings to His Royal Highness, Senator Lekan Balogun. Your elevation to the throne of your forefathers is well deserved. On behalf of my family and I, I wish you many years in the position, and working tirelessly to promote inter-religious and inter-communal harmony in Oyo State and throughout the federation.
“Your highness, as the 42nd Olubadan, you are a product of the beauty of the rich and highly-respected traditional hierarchical leadership structure of Ibadanland in selecting a traditional leader.
“I wish you a long, eventful and successful reign. May your reign usher in peace and development in Ibadanland.”
Ayorinde also commended Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for the mature way he handled the issue of selection of the new monarch, especially in view of the issues surrounding the succession to the Olubadan stool.
“The people watched with keen interest the efforts of the Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, on the issue of Olubadan and the mature way he went about trying to fulfill his promise to the people.”
He said governor Makinde had displayed visionary leadership and tenacity of purpose in administering the affairs of the state.
