Ibadan kingmakers appoint Olakulehin as 43rd Olubadan

The Olubadan-In-Council, on Friday, nominated Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The kingmakers agreed to appoint Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan at a meeting called by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

He was nominated by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe, in the absence of Otun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who was expected to nominate the new monarch.

The Ekaarun Olubadan and Ekaarun Balogun were excused from the decision making as the 1957 declaration only recognises high chiefs from Ekerin Balogun and Ekerin Olubadan as the kingmakers.

The meeting was supervised by officials of the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state who are expected to forward the outcome of the meeting to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, for ratification.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Oba Olakulehin, who was making his second public appearance after the death of the late Oba Balogun, thanked the residents for their prayers and support.

He said, “Thank you all for your support and prayers. Good things will never cease in your homes.”

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, Mr Ladoja stated it was now left for Governor Makinde to approve Mr Olakulehin’s nomination.

“The letter will get to the governor as soon as possible. We hope he gives his consent. There’s no how the Governor will not accept because we did what is right. As soon as he approves, we will proceed with the coronation ceremony,” Mr Ladoja said.