Today, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin will be crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. He will be crowned at the Oluwo Labosinde compound at Oja’ba, Ibadan, and the Ose Meji shrine, then he will be presented with the staff and other instruments of office by Governor Seyi Makinde at the Mapo Hall .
Following the death of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 14, 2024, 89-year-old ex-serviceman Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has been named as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland .
As part of the traditional rituals, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin will embark on a symbolic tour of the Oluwo Labosinde compound and the Ose Meji shrine, marking his ascension to the throne.
Following this, he will be formally crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. Subsequently, Governor Seyi Makinde will present him with the staff of office and other ceremonial instruments at Mapo Hall, officially recognizing him as the new traditional ruler of Ibadanland.
During a recent visit to the Olubadan Palace in June, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin shared with journalists his long-held ambition to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland, a dream he had nurtured since becoming the Mogaji over 30 years ago.
He said, “When we started the ladder (Mogaji), I asked, ‘Do we get to the climax?’ And they said yes. So, I knew that I would become Olubadan of Ibadanland. Now we are there.”
After Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was named the next Olubadan, some kingmakers expressed concerns about his health and ability to lead, given his advanced age of 89 years.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s absence after the death of Oba Lekan Balogun sparked controversy, as he was unable to receive kingmakers who visited him, fueling concerns about his health. Earlier, in April, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Otun Balogun of Ibadan, publicly stated that Olakulehin was not fit to ascend the throne due to his poor health, alleging that some individuals were pushing him to take the position despite his condition.
“I am his second in command, I’m his lieutenant. He has not called me to say, ‘My Otun, I’m back. So, tell your people. And when are you seeing me?’ They are just forcing him because of their own selfish interest,” Ajibola alleged.
“Has anybody seen him since last Friday? Those who went there after Friday were unable to see him. They are forcing this man. We should allow him to get well,” he said.
Olakulehin’s family and some kingmakers disputed Oba Tajudeen Ajibola’s claims about his health, defending the 89-year-old Olubadan-designate’s ability to lead. Additionally, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, the head of the kingmakers and former Governor of Oyo State, rebuked Ajibola, pointing out that he was not a medical professional and therefore not qualified to assess someone’s fitness for the throne.
