• Hundreds throng to monarch’s residence to pay condolences
• CCII President-General visits Ladoja in Lagos
• Ibadan begins 21-day mourning

The immediate past governor of Ekiti State and former Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), Dr Kayode Fayemi, has expressed sadness over the passing of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

In a condolence message yesterday in Abuja by his media office, Fayemi described the death of Oba Olakulehin as a monumental loss to the Yoruba nation and Nigeria as a whole.

Relatedly, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Daniel Alabrah, yesterday, described the foremost monarch as a bridge builder, unifier and father to all.

However, hundreds of Ibadan residents have thronged the residence of the late Olubadan to sympathise with the family.

President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, yesterday, led many sons and daughters of the city to Alalubosa GRA and was received by Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin on behalf of the family.

Also, the CCII delegation, led by Ajewole, has visited the Olubadan-in-waiting, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, at his Lagos residence.

Meanwhile a 21-day mourning period has begun in honour of the late Oba Olakulehin, starting yesterday.

The declaration of the mourning period follows an age-old tradition of the ancient city.

Meanwhile, members of the Olubadan-in-Council are expected to initiate the process of selecting a new king once the mourning period concludes.

According to the traditional succession process, the nomination of the new Olubadan will be made by the Balogun Olubadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, with support from the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, at a meeting that has yet to be scheduled.

This meeting will take place at the new Olubadan’s palace located in Oke-Aremo, within the Ibadan North Local Council.