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By Oluseye Ojo
Following the intervention of Ibadan elders, the lingering crisis surrounding the nomination and ratification of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. as the 43rd Olubadan may finally come to an end today.
The Ibadan kingmakers had broken into two groups, with the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja on one hand and other kingmakers on the other hand.
Ladoja and other kingmakers have been embroiled in a disagreement over who has the legal power to convene the statutory meeting, where the new Olubadan will be nominated.
It was gathered last night that the kingmakers will sign a peace accord today to ensure that the well-arranged ascension to the Olubadan stool that has been in existence for ages is not disrupted.
After a crucial meeting between Ibadan elders and kingmakers last week Wednesday, a six-day ultimatum was issued for the parties to reach a resolution. The ultimatum was issued in hopes of finding a resolution.
But on Sunday, impeccable sources revealed that all arrangements have been made for the signing of a peace accord at the residence of Chief Bode Amao, the Asiwaju of Ibadanland today.
One key component of the peace accord as gathered, is the withdrawal of the court case filed by High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan and former governor of Oyo State, against the installation of members of the Olubadan Advisory Council as beaded-crown wearing monarchs in July 2023.
The accord specifies that if Ladoja assumes the role of Olubadan, he would not remove the crowns from the kings in the Olubadan Advisory Council. Sources indicated that Ladoja has agreed to sign the accord.
The first step in the resolution process will be a meeting scheduled for today, April 8, 2024, between the Ibadan elders and kingmakers at Chief Bode Amao’s residence.
A source said: “After the meeting, there is a possibility that the kingmakers will proceed to the Oja’ba Palace of Olubadan to formally nominate Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan. Alternatively, they may choose to schedule another meeting to nominate a new king for Ibadanland for another day.
“Anytime the meeting will hold, the Secretary of Ibadan South East Local Government. Mapo, is expected to attend the meeting, which typically lasts no longer than 15 minutes.
“Once the Olubadan-designate is nominated, his name will be sent to Governor Seyi Makinde for approval through the office of the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters. Upon approval, a date for the coronation will be determined.”
Prominent figures in Ibadan, such as Ladoja, crowned kingmakers, Chief Bode Amao; and former President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Yemi Soladoye; as well as former Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, Sunday Ola-Makinde, were present at the meeting last Wednesday.
A source close to the matter revealed that a second expanded meeting is the one that will hold today, where the terms of reference would be outlined and signed by both parties.
