Otun Balogun absent as kingmakers nominate Olakulehin as 43rd Olubadan

Controversies over the medical fitness of the Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has been finally laid to rest with his nomination by the members of the Olubadan in council excluding the Otun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola at Oja”ba palace on Friday.

The meeting had in attendance, 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 Azeez and Ekaarun Olubadan Oba Bayo Akande had in attendance Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

The meeting was presided over by Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja by the 1957 Declaration.

Sequel to the absence of Otun Balogun, Oba Ajibola at the meeting, the Osi Balogun, Oba Adebimpe took over his responsibility by nominating Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland as stipulated in the 1957 declaration.

Nigerian Tribune recalls that Ladoja in one of his interviews with the newsmen disclosed that there is provision for substitution in the 1957 Declaration.

It is based on this provision that Oba Adebimpe nominated Oba Olakulehin as the next monarch which was adopted by the constitutionally recognized 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.
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The meeting was supervised by the officials of the Ibadan South East local government area who are expected to forward the outcome of the meeting to the state governor, Engr Seyi Makinde for ratification.

Oba Olakulehin who was making his second public appearance after the demise of the Late Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun thanked the residents for their prayers and support.

Oba Olakulehin in a brief interview with the newsmen said, “I thank you all for your prayers and support.

Also, the convener of the meeting, High Chief Ladoja while fielding questions from the newsmen 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 last cal 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.

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