As the crisis rocking the selection of the new Olubadan lingers, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, has faulted the position of the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, over health status of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
He said Ajibola only gave his personal opinion on the health status of Olakulehin because he is not a doctor.
Ajibola had said the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who is also his immediate senior in the ‘military line’ of the Olubadan system, was not fit to become the monarch now.
Ajibola saidt the Olubadan-designate should be given time to be healthy before he is installed.
But Ladoja toldh newsmen yesterday at his Bodija, Ibadan residence that Olakulehin is an elderly person and not expected to act like a youth.
“Ajibola is not a 20-year-old man, he is not a 30-year-old or 40 years old man, he is above 80 years, so, we cannot expect him to act like a youth.”
On whether Ajibola, who is to nominate Olakulehin as Olubadan at the Olubadan-in-Council meeting on Friday can be substituted in case he didn’t attend the meeting, Ladoja said if he failed to attend the parley, he could be substituted with another high chief next to him.
“Ajibola can be substituted to nominate the Olubadan if he didn’t come to the meeting. I have already scheduled a meeting for Friday because tomorrow is a public holiday, if he didn’t come, he can be substituted,” he said.
The stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant following the death of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who died at University’ College Hospital (UCH) at the age of 81.
