Sumbo Owolabi, a former commissioner in Oyo State and son of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has come out to reveal to the Indigenes of Ibadan that the Monarch-in-waiting is hale and hearty,
This was needed as news about the whereabouts of Olakulehin has dominated discussions in the ancient city since the death of the previous Olubadan, Ọba Lekan Balogun.
His absence at a Monday meeting of the Olubadan in Council convened by High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja at the Oja-Oba Palace to deliberate on his nomination to Governor Seyi Makinde as appointment as the next Olubadan sparked fresh concerns on whether he’d be able to carry out his duties if crowned as the Olubadan.
“He will soon make his first public appearance any moment from now and even attend the next meeting of the Council of Obas in Ibadanland,” he said.
“Daddy has aged already. So, before the late Oba Balogun’s demise, Baba had gone for a medical trip. And when the incident happened, he was still there. So, he just stayed back to relax a bit.
“As a new king, different people will be paying him homage and he will need to attend to them all. And with his age, he may not have the strength to receive different people across Nigeria; hence, the reason his doctor advised him to relax a bit.
“I want to debunk the rumour that he is incapacitated. The installation of the next Olubadan will soon be done. People should stop fake rumour. I also want to debunk another rumour that the crowned Obas have not seen him. They have now seen each other,” he said.
Speaking further, he said, “One thing I know is that the renovation of his family house and this place (private residence) will soon commence after the inauguration of the Coronation Planning Committee by the State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
“But I want to confirm to you that Baba, Olubadan-designate, Oba Olakulehin is the next Olubadan of Ibadanland. It was intentional not to attend the meeting fixed a few days ago, and not because of his health. He is the only person that can give you details on that. But I want to authoritatively confirm that the crowned Obas and Baba have been in touch physically. They have seen one another and he will join them at the next meeting whenever they convene it.”