Kingmakers in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, have unanimously nominated the current Balogun of Ibadanland, Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oyo state, Southwest Nigeria.
His nomination followed the Ibadan Chieftaincy Decree which specifies that the most senior high chief from either of the civilian or military sides should mount the throne as Olubadan interchangeably.
This nomination was made on Friday, April 12, by the Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, at the Olubadan-in-council meeting which was summoned by High Chief Rashidi Ladoja and held at Olubadan Palace, Oja’ba, Ibadan.
The dignitaries present at the sitting included the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; the Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; the Ekarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; the Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe; the Ashipa Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Dada Isioye and the Ekarun Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez.
This nomination has put an end to the controversy and disagreements surrounding the fitness of Olakunlehin for the throne.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Ladoja said a letter would be prepared by the local government and sent to Governor Makinde as soon as possible, adding that they hoped the governor would give consent to the letter as soon as possible.
In his words, “As soon as the governor gives consent to the letter, a date for coronation will be picked.”