Oyo 2023: BASA Denies Stepping Down for Seyi Makinde, Says She Fought Till the End

Former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant, Bolanle Aminat Sarumi-Aliyu (BASA), has dismissed speculations that she withdrew from the race to back Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, or any other contender.

In an interview with journalist Edmund Obilo, Sarumi-Aliyu described the claims as false and damaging to her political image.

“I did not step down for anybody. We need to get it straight. I did not step down for Governor Seyi Makinde. I did not step down for Adelabu. Nobody. I fought till the end,” she declared.

Explaining her loss, BASA pointed to a wave of last-minute withdrawals by other political heavyweights in favor of Makinde, which created the impression that she had also stepped down.

“Weeks before the election, all the political giants stepped down for Governor Seyi — Senator Lanlehin, Senator Sarafa. The rumor spread that everyone had joined him. My supporters from all 33 local governments started calling, asking if I had stepped down too. I told them I didn’t. But the rumor weakened my campaign,” she explained.

When asked why she refused to align with Makinde, Sarumi-Aliyu said her decision was based on personal conviction and her vision for Oyo State.

“I have my own mission. I have my own goals. I know that I will be the best governor in this country,” she boldly stated.

Olubadan Laid To Rest In Ibadan.

The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, has been buried on Friday.

Naija News reports that he was laid to rest after a dignified church service held at the Cathedral of Saint Peter in Aremo, Ibadan.

Speaking during the church service, Bishop Joseph Akinfenwa urged attendees to live life that make lasting, positive impact, honoring the legacy of the late monarch.

The ceremony attracted a large gathering of prominent figures, including Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, former Deputy Governor Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, House of Representatives member Akin Alabi, alongside government officials and traditional rulers from across Oyo state.

Late Oba Olakulgehin: Bayelsa State Governor Diri Condoles With Oyo State Government and People

Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has extended the condolences of the government and people of the state to the government and people of Oyo State on the passage of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, on Tuesday, the Bayelsa governor also commiserated with indigenes of Ibadan land, describing the foremost monarch as a bridge builder, unifier and father to all.

Governor Diri recalled the conferment of the Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan (MOFI) award on him by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes in May this year; an honour presented to him by the monarch through the Otun Balogun and former governor of the state, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, in Ibadan.

He said the late paramount ruler cemented the bonds of unity between his people, Oyo State and the government and people of Bayelsa.

He also stated that the royal father’s support, guidance and peaceful, albeit brief, reign engendered an environment for the growth and development of Ibadan land and Oyo State in general under the focused leadership of Governor Oluseyi Makinde.

While mourning the passing of Oba Olakulehin, Diri urged Ibadan indigenes and people of the state to be comforted by the exemplary life and ennobling legacies of the late nonagenarian monarch.

He equally prayed God to grant his subjects, the governor and people of the state the fortitude to bear the loss.

Former Oyo governor Rashidi Ladoja set to become next Olubadan.

Following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, all eyes have now turned to former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who is next in line to ascend the ancient throne.

Oba Olakulehin passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, just two days after marking his birthday and one year on the throne.

He received his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, after succeeding Oba Lekan Balogun.

With his passing, the well-established rotational succession system of the Ibadan traditional institution now positions Ladoja, the current Otun Olubadan, as the most senior high chief and next in line to be crowned.

Ladoja, a prominent political figure and respected statesman, served as governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007.

Despite his political engagements, he remained active in the Ibadan traditional hierarchy, steadily progressing through the civil line of the Olubadan chieftaincy ladder over several decades.

The Ibadan traditional succession system is unique in Nigeria. Unlike most monarchies, where lineage or heredity determines ascension, the Olubadan title rotates between two lines, with succession determined by seniority. Ladoja, having climbed through the ranks of the civil line, has now reached the apex.

Sources within the Olubadan-in-Council have confirmed that preparations are underway for the formal announcement of Ladoja’s nomination, pending ratification by Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Executive Council.

Traditionally, once the position is officially declared vacant and the council reaches consensus, the governor is expected to present the staff of office.

Ladoja’s anticipated ascension is already stirring reactions across Ibadanland and beyond, with many describing it as a “historic moment” that will see a former governor and national political figure wear the crown of Ibadan’s highest traditional office.

The late Oba Olakulehin’s burial arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days by the Olubadan-in-Council. Meanwhile, attention now shifts to Agodi, where the final nod for Ladoja’s coronation will come from the Oyo State Government.

If confirmed, Ladoja will become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland

Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olakulehin, Passes Away at 90.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed on, just two days after marking his 90th birthday. According to Tribune Online, the revered monarch d+ed in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, barely a year after his coronation.

Oba Olakulehin officially received his staff of office from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, becoming the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. He succeeded the late Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who d+ed on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.

Oba Olakulehin had ascended the throne from his previous position as the Balogun Olubadan.

Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Dies at 90.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has died at 90, just two days after his birthday.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has died at the age of 90, just two days after marking his birthday.

Reports indicate that the revered monarch passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, bringing an end to a short but significant reign that lasted just one year.

Born on July 5, 1935, Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne of his ancestors on July 12, 2024, when he was officially presented with the staff of office by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. He was crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, following a storied traditional succession process rooted deeply in the city’s unique chieftaincy system.

His passing marks a solemn moment for the people of Ibadan and the wider Yoruba nation, who regarded the Olubadan as a symbol of unity, tradition, and cultural heritage.