Owolabi Olakulehin has been named the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land by the kingmakers of Ibadan. His appointment was announced during the Olubadan-In-Council meeting that took place on Friday at Oja’ba in Ibadan.
According to The PUNCH, Oba Lekan Balogun, who ruled for two years until passing away at the age of 81, left the position vacant on Thursday, March 14, 2024.
Attending the meeting was Mr. Olakulehin, whose health has been a source of concern for the public. According to PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Olakulehin’s health has caused controversy surrounding the nomination process for the next Olubadan.
Tajudeen Ajibola, a member of the Olubadan-In-Council and one of the kingmakers, had previously disputed with other council members on the selected king’s health.
Mr. Ajibola the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan land, declared on Tuesday that Mr. Olakulehin should be given time to heal before ascending to the throne because he is ill and unfit to rule.
At the meeting called by Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, on Friday, Mr. Ajibola was not present.
In an interview with journalists following the meeting, Mr. Ladoja said that the kingmakers had completed the process of appointing Mr. Olakulehin as the next Olubadan.
He said that Governor Seyi Makinde still needs 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 way the Governor will not accept because we did what is right,” Mr. Ladoja said.
