Kingmakers unveil Olakulehin as new Olubadan

The Olubadan in council also known as the Kingmakers of Ibadanland, on Friday, unveiled Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The Olubadan-in-Council ratified Olakulehin’s appointment at a meeting held at Mapo Hall on Friday as 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.

Recall that late Oba Mashood Lekan Balogun, the immediate past and 42nd Olubadan occupied the throne from the civilian lineage.

Oba Olakulehin as the most senior high chief in the Balogun (military) line of Olubadan chieftaincy ascension was nominated by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe.

The Otun Olubadan, Senator and former governor of the state, Rasheed Ladoja summoned the meeting and this put to an end to the controversial ascension disagreements surrounding the fitness of the Olubadan-nominee for the throne.

The meeting, which commenced around 11:00 am, ended few minutes after 12:00 pm, and was attended by Oba Olakulehin and chaired by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, a former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Ladoja.

But Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola, was absent at the meeting.

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 kingmakers are expected to forward the name of Oba Olakulehin to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for endorsement while coronation date will be fixed.