The crisis over the selection of a new Olubadan of Ibadanland may be coming to an end as kingmakers on Friday, nominated the current Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The kingmakers who are also members of the Olubadan-in-Council ratified the nomination of Olakulehin at a meeting held at the ancient Mapo Hall.
The meeting which started around 11:00 am ended some minutes after 12:00 pm.
The Olubadan stool became vacant as a result of the death of the 42nd holder of the title, Oba Olalekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors early last month.
All members of the Olubadan-in-Council present at the meeting ratified the nomination of Olakulehin made by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe.
The meeting, which was attended by Olakulehin, was chaired by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rasheed Ladoja.
Other members of Olubadan-in-Council at the meeting were Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole Foko; Ashipa Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade; Ekarun Olubadan, Adebayo Akande; Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe; Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Balogun, Dada Isioye and Ekarun Balogun, Abiodun Azeez.
However, absent at the meeting was the Otun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
Ajibola had on Tuesday, said Olakulehin, who is also his immediate senior in the military line of the Olubadan system, was not fit to ascend the throne, stating that he should be given time to be healthy before he is pronounced and that the seat should remain vacant for now.
But Ladoja while addressing journalists after the meeting, said members of the Olubadan-in-Council had done their part as Ibadan kingmakers.
He further disclosed that a letter would be sent to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, for government’s consent before the coronation of Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He said, “After the governor’s consent, a day for the coronation will be announced. We thank everyone for the support as we pray that all of us will be alive to witness the coronation.”
Kemi Olaitan
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