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By Oluseye Ojo
Indications have emerged that the Olubadan-elect, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s nomination as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland by the kingmakers will receive express approval of Gov Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Sources within the Ibadan traditional system and government revealed that everything was in order, and that the approval and date for coronation of the new Olubadan might be made known by the government after the state burial scheduled for June 1, 2024, which the state government organised to honour the 42nd Olubadan, the late Oba Lekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors on March 14, this year, and was buried the following day.
As gathered, the state burial by the state government would be held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, hitherto known as Liberty Stadium, Ibadan.
The Ibadan kingmakers had on Friday April 12, this year, officially nominated Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan. They presented the duly completed nomination form to the Ibadan South-East Local Government, which perfected it and also sent it to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, for onward movement to Governor Seyi Makinde for approval.
The Otun Olubadan and former governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who presided over the meeting, where Ibadan kingmakers nominated Olakulehin as the new Olubadan, has also withdrawn his lawsuit against the Olubadan Advisory Council and the government in order to pave way for the approval and coronation of Olakulehin.
He had instituted the litigation to prevent the Ibadan kingmakers from denying him his right to become Olubadan when his turn came because he did not accept beaded crown like other kingmakers.
Governor Makinde is expected to grant his consent on the nomination in the coming days.
It was also revealed that the newly constructed multi-million Naira Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo in Ibadan North Local Government Area will be commissioned just two days before the coronation.
“The family is in high spirits, and Baba (Olakulehin) has been receiving visitors as the Olubadan-designate,” revealed an insider source, underscoring the smooth transition process.
The coronation ceremony is expected to be a grand affair that would draw dignitaries from all walks of life.
