Olakunlehin nominated as next Olubadan of Ibadanland

Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin has been nominated by the Kingmakers to be coronated as the next Olubadan-In-Council, on Friday.

After his coronation as envisaged, he becomes the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The stool of Olubadan, a first class monarch in Oyo became vacant on 14th March, 2024 following the death of Oba Lekan Balogun after he reigned for two and died at the age of 81 years.

The decision of nominating the Olakunlehin was reached at a meeting which was at the instance of Otun Olubadand of Ibadanland, Chief Rashidi Ladoja on Friday in Ibadan, capital of Oyo State.

He was nominated by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe, in the absence of Otun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who was expected to nominate the new monarch.

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 the kingmakers.

The meeting was supervised by officials of the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state who are expected to forward the outcome of the meeting to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, for ratification.

Addressing newsmen after the meeting, Oba Olakulehin, who was making his second public appearance after the death of the late Oba Balogun, thanked the residents for their prayers and support.