Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has declared his preparedness and readiness to occupy the Olubadan stool as the 43rd monarch of the ancient city.
Oba Olakulehin who spoke extensively for the first time since his designation during the courtesy visit of Governor Seyi Makinde’s representatives to his Alalubosa residence in Ibadan, reiterated that he is hale and hearty adding that he knew that he has the divine backing of God Almighty.
The visit which could be described as part of the process that would lead to the governor’s approval was made by the Oyo State Advisory Council led by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN).
The Olubadan designate spoke to the admiration of all the people in attendance who expressed excitement when they heard the next Olubadan speak in a coherent manner to put paid to various insinuations about his health status.
Oba Olakulehin noted that it was indeed his turn to mount the throne, saying, “God has said that I am the next Olubadan and I know truly that it is my turn. By God’s grace, I will not disappoint you, my people. All of us that have been together in the system for long shall celebrate the success together. I thank the governor for initiating this visit. We shall equally be expecting him as promised.”
Speaking on behalf of the kingmakers, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe noted that, “Ibadan has never been destroyed and it shall not. We thank the governor; he is a true-born of Ibadan and I pray that he will never be put to shame. It is now that I can sleep soundly. Everybody can now see that our Kabiyesi is hale and hearty.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Ayorinde, had told the Olubadan designate that the governor’s representatives which included the first woman speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, the Oyo State commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Segun Olayiwola, were sent by the governor to greet him.
He said the governor also promised that he, too, would also come to visit him when he is back from his trip outside the state.
Other chiefs with Oba Olakulehin were Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi (Asipa Olubadan); Oba Eddy Oyewale (Osi Olubadan); Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe (Osi Balogun) and Oba Kola Adegbola (Asipa Balogun Olubadan).
