The Eze Ndigbo of Ibadan and Yorubaland, Dr. James Nduka Oramadike, on Thursday, consoled Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, the people of Ibadan, and the entire family of the late 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

It is worth recalling that Oba Olakulehin passed away on July 7 this year, at the age of 90, just a few days before his first coronation anniversary.

In a statement, Oramadike described the late Olubadan as a symbol of unity and strength, whose leadership and wisdom would be deeply missed.

He said, “The passing of Oba Olakulehin is a significant loss to the people of Ibadan, and I pray that God grants his family and loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss.”

Oramadike also lauded the well-established system of ascension to the stool of Olubadan, which occurs between the Otun Line and the Balogun Line on a rotational basis.

He noted that the system has designated Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the next Olubadan, being the most senior kin on the Otun Line, which will produce the successor to the late Oba Olakulehin.

Oramadike called on other Nigerian kingdoms to establish systems that guarantee peaceful succession to thrones, similar to the system in Ibadan.

He acknowledged the role that Ladoja played during his time as governor of the state between Ibadan and the Igbo community, as well as other non-indigenes resident in Ibadan.

He promised continued support and cooperation of the Igbo community towards the progress of Ibadanland.