The announcement was made by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Tajudeen Ajibola, at a briefing by the kingmakers on Wednesday.

The Council also denied claims that a legal conflict may jeopardize the Olubadan throne’s succession.

According to Ajibola, the kingmakers chose Dr. Balogun as the next in line to the throne of Olubadan following custom.

He also dismissed speculations about the next Olubadan-elect’s health and well-being.

It would be recalled that Michael Lana, counsel to a former Governor of Oyo State, Rasheed Ladoja, opposed the plan to crown Senator Lekan Balogun as the next Olubadan of Ibadan.

Naija News reports that Senator Balogun is presently the Otun Olubadan and he is next in line to the throne and seen as the natural successor.

However, Lana has written a letter dated January 3 to Governor Seyi Makinde, asking him not to approve Balogun’s appointment as the new Olubadan.

The former Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice in the state advised the governor to reject the former Senator’s name if selected by the Olubadan-In-Council.

Lana noted that installing Balogun as the new Olubadan will amount to the violation of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration which is an “aberration and illegality”.

Balogun was one of the high chiefs who received a beaded crown as a king from former governor Abiola Ajimobi, he reminded Makinde.

Ladoja contested their coronation in court and won, but Balogun and the new kings disputed the ruling, which is still pending in court, according to the former commissioner.

Lana stated that Balogun is not eligible to the throne of Olubadan unless he withdraws his lawsuit contesting the nullification of their elevation.