The Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, expressed on Thursday that he always knew he would ascend to the revered Olubadan stool.
Oba Olakulehin made this statement while inspecting the newly built ultra-modern Olubadan Palace, just five days after Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State requested a confirmation of his health fitness.
“When we started the ladder (Mogaji), I asked, ‘Do we get to the climax?’ And they said yes. So, I knew that I would become Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Now that we are there, we still need to pray to God because He has done good things for us in Ibadan. So, we must continue to praise Him,” Oba Olakulehin remarked.
Governor Makinde, during the final burial ceremony of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, had indicated that Oba Olakulehin would be installed as the next Olubadan once his health was confirmed.
This statement sparked controversy among notable Ibadan indigenes, both at home and abroad.
Despite the controversy, Governor Makinde confirmed that the state government had received the recommendation of Oba Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan by the Olubadan-In-Council, affirming that due process had been followed in the selection.
Oba Olakulehin expressed his delight, stating, “I am highly delighted to be among the living to inspect this project. So, we have to thank God. Ibadan people need to appreciate God for this.”
He was conducted around the new palace by the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, along with other notable Ibadan indigenes.
Among the dignitaries present were the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe; Ashipa Balogun, Oba Kolawole Adegbola; Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Abiodun Kola-Daisi, and a host of others.
Subscribe to National Updates for more News.
