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In an uncommon show of love, Ibadan compound heads, for the first time in a very long time, queued behind Engr. Dotun Sanusi as the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Ọba Lekan Balogun elevated him to Jagun Olubadan.
Sanusi became the latest entrant to the civil line of the Olubadan chieftaincy system. Fifteen other senior chiefs, ahead of him, were also promoted on Friday.
The elevation came few weeks after the demise of Senior Chief Lateef Oyelade, which necessitated the movement of other chiefs behind the deceased in the civil line of Ibadan chieftaincy system.
Rather than slug it out as it is always the custom when Jagun positions are to be filled, all Mogajis agreed to allow Sanusi, who apart from being the Apesinola of Ibadan land, is Mogaji Olugbade compound of Oja’ba, to fill the void, which is the entry point to the lines of succession— Otun (civil) and Balogun (military) to the throne.
Oyelade, who was until his death the Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadan land, died in September, paving the way for 15 vacancies in the Otun line of the Olubadan chieftaincy system.
With its uniqueness, due to its two lines, hundreds of Mogajis would have jostled for the vacant Jagun seat, while the Olubadan, together with his council, choose who will fill the vacant position of Jagun. However, Sanusi’s philanthropy and kindheartedness paved the way for him.
The billionaire businessman, who owns the hospitality facility in Oyo State, Ilaji hotels and sports resort as well as Ibadan College of Arts, Science and Technology (ICAST), has earned accolades from within and far.
Recall that the immediate past Olubadan, Ọba Saliu Adetunji, conferred the title of Otun Apesinola of Ibadan land on Sanusi for his kind gestures.
Apart from breathing life into Akanran, headquarters of Ona-Ara Local Government, Sanusi recently donated 80 transformers to communities in the ancient city.
The event was attended by new Ọbas in Ibadan land, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye and prominent Mogajis like Ahaji Abass Oloko, Chief Nurudeen Akinade, Chief Demola Olasomi and a host of others.
Sanusi, in a brief remark, thanked Ọba Balogun and other Ibadan Obas and chiefs for the support, saying that the honour they have done him would spur him to do more.