The chairmen of the 11 local governments in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have assured the incoming Olubadan of Ibadan, Dr. Lekan Balogun, of their support.
They spoke yesterday when they visited the monarch-in-waiting at his Alarere, Ibadan home.
Balogun will be crowned as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday.
Led by Egbeda Local Government Chairman Sikiru Sanda, the chairmen described the new Olubadan as their father with whom some of them had worked together politically in the past.
The chairmen, who expressed happiness that Ibadan, for the first time in history, now has a monarch that is highly cerebral and politically connected, said: “We are to leverage on his pedigree to make the throne conducive for him and Ibadan as a whole.
“As part of our plans, we are happy to inform our revered father that the ancient Mapo Hall, which is second-to-none in the country in terms of design and aesthetics, will wear a new look,” Sanda said.
Dwelling on the intricacies of Ibadan traditional system, the council bosses urged the queen, who received them on behalf of Olubadan, to be conscious of their responses to the people, so as not to be dragged into unnecessary controversies.
“We implore you to be mindful of how you react to issues because people will be coming to the palace with different motives and before you know it, they are out there using your names to do things that are contrary to your aims and objectives,” they said.
Praying for robust and sound health for Balogun to enable him direct the affairs of Ibadanland, they said they will do everything to ensure his reign ushers in peace and progress in the ancient metropolis.
Olori Olufunmilayo Balogun, who responded on behalf of the monarch, thanked the chairmen for their visit as well as their advice and urged them not to be far away from the monarch, who they described as their father.
She said: “Kabiyesi, as you all know, is very open and very accommodating. He will not change because of his new status. He will remain receptive and welcome your advice and suggestions.”