Kingmakers Nominate Oba Olakulehin As 43rd Olubadan

The traditional kingmakers of Ibadanland, on Friday, unanimously consent to the enthronement of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

His nomination followed the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration specifying that the most senior high chief from either of the civilian or military sides should mount the throne as Olubadan interchangeably.

The late Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun, the immediate past and 42nd Olubadan occupied the respected throne from the civilian lineage.

Oba Olakulehin was the most senior high chief in the Balogun (military) line of Olubadan chieftaincy ascension.

The kingmakers who are also the members of the Olubadan-in-Council ratified Olakulehin’s appointment at a meeting held at Mapo Hall on Friday.

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 was attended by Olakulehin, 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.