THE Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has been nominated as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Olubadan in Council, which includes Ibadanland’s traditional kingmakers, have agreed to name Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan to ascend the throne.
He was nominated by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe, in the absence of the Otun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who was supposed to nominate the next king.
The Ekaarun Olubadan and Ekaarun Balogun were excluded from the decision-making process since the 1957 statement exclusively recognized only high chiefs from Ekerin Balogun and Ekerin Olubadan as kingmakers.
Officials from the state’s Ibadan South East Local Government Area supervised the meeting, and the outcome will be forwarded to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, for approval.
Oba Olakulehin, who was making his second public appearance since the death of Oba Balogun, thanked the citizens for their prayers and support.
He said, “Thank you all for your support and prayers. Good things will never cease in your homes.”
Also speaking, the convener of the meeting, Ladoja, while fielding questions from newsmen, said, “In this meeting, we have concluded the appointment of the new Olubadan subject to the consent of the governor.
“The letter will go to the governor as soon as possible because it is being prepared by the South East Local Government.
“We hope that the governor will give his consent as soon as possible. As soon as he gives his consent, we will pick a date for the coronation. We pray that all of us will be alive to witness the day. Thank you for your endurance.”
Also present at the meeting were the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe; Asipa Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Dada Isioye; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekaarun Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeeez and Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Bayo Akande.
