•Otun Balogun Absent
Precisely 29 days after the former Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Lekan Balogun, joined his ancestors on March 14, 2024, the Olubadan-in-Council, yesterday, nominated Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, as the 43rd Olubadan.
His nomination came after 21 days of the statutory nomination period at Mapo Hall, Oja Oba, following the back and forth arguments over the fitness of the Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi.
Owolabi, who spoke with journalists during and after the process to clarify the doubts about his state of health and fitness to rule, was nominated in the absence of Otun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who is supposed to have done the nomination.
However, as postulated by Otun Balogun, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Osi Balogun, Oba Adebimpe, took over Ajibola’s responsibility and nominated Oba Olakulehin.
Ladoja had earlier said that if Oba Ajibola failed to present himself at yesterday’s meeting, Oba Adebimpe would perform his role.
The highlight of the event was the ability of Olakulehin to address the audience and also walk, dismissing the position of Oba Ajibola that the former ex-military man is unfit to rule.
Yesterday’s meeting had in attendance Oba Olakulehin; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe; Asipa Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Asipa Olubadan Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Dada Isioye; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade Salaudeen; Ekaarun Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeeez and Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Bayo Akande.
The meeting was presided over by Ladoja in accordance with the 1957 Declaration.
Recall that Ladoja had in one of his interviews with newsmen disclosed that there is provision for substitution in the 1957 Declaration.
It is on the basis of this provision that Oba Adebimpe nominated Oba Olakulehin as the next monarch, which was adopted by the constitutionally recognised kingmakers.
The Ekaarun Olubadan and Ekaarun Balogun were excused from the decision making as the 1957 declaration only recognises High Chiefs from Ekerin Balogun and Ekerin Olubadan as ‘Afobaje” otherwise known as the kingmakers.
The meeting was supervised by the officials of the Ibadan South East local council, who are expected to forward the outcome of the meeting to the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, for ratification.
Olakulehin, who made his second public appearance after the demise of the late Oba Balogun at the meeting, thanked the residents for their prayers and support.
“I thank you all for your prayers and support,” he told journalists who interviewed him.
Also, the convener of the meeting, Ladoja, while fielding questions from journalists, said: “In this meeting we have concluded the appointment of the new Olubadan subject to the consent of the governor.
“The letter will go to the governor as soon as possible because it is being prepared by the local government.
“We hope that the governor will give his consent as soon as possible. As soon as he gives his consent we will pick a date for the coronation.
“We pray that all of us will be alive to witness the day. Thank you for your endurance.”
