Ibadan kingmakers douse tension, unanimously appoint 84-year-old Olakulehin as 43rd Olubadan
The traditional kingmakers of Ibadanland has unanimously consent to the enthronement of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
His appointment was made known after a meeting of the Olubadan-In-Council at Oja’ba in Ibadan on Friday.
Oba Olakulehin’s nomination by the council will succeed Oba Lekan Balogun who died at University College Hospital (UCH) at the age of 81, after his nomination ahs been approved by the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.
He was nominated by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe at a meeting summoned by the Otun Olubadan, Senator Rasheed Ladoja.
The nomination put an end to the controversial ascension disagreements surrounding the fitness of the Olubadan-nominee for the throne.
The Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, was absent at the meeting.
The meeting which commenced around 11:00 am, ended some minutes after 12:00 pm.
The meeting, which Olakulehin attended, was chaired by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, a former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Ladoja.
Other members of Olubadan-in-Council at the meeting were Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole Foko; Ashipa Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade; Ekarun Olubadan, Adebayo Akande; Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe; Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Balogun, Dada Isioye and Ekarun Balogun, Abiodun Azeez.
The High Chiefs are expected to immediately forward the name of Oba Olakulehin to the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for endorsement.
Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Mr Ladoja said the kingmakers concluded the appointment process of Mr Olakulehin as the next Olubadan.
Ladoja stated it was now left for Governor Seyi Makinde to approve Mr Olakulehin’s nomination.
“The letter will get to the governor as soon as possible. We hope he gives his consent. There’s no how the Governor will not accept because we did what is right. As soon as he approves, we will proceed with the coronation ceremony,” Ladoja said.
