The ascension process of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin will start today Tuesday, March 26.
Erstwhile Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who reigned for two years, joined his ancestors at the age of 81 recently at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, after a brief illness.
The statutory kingmakers and members of the Olubadan-in-Council -Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; the Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; the Ekarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; the Otun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe; the Ashipa Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Dada Isioye and the Ekarun Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez- are expected to be in attendance alongside the Olubadan-designate so as to confirm all that is needed before sending his name to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde for final approval.
The meeting is slated for the historical Mapo Hall in the ancient City.
Once the name gets approved by the Governor, barring a never-seen-before surprise, a date for coronation will be fixed for the new monarch.
There have been controversies over the state of health of the Olubadan-designate as his whereabouts since the death of the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, remain unknown.
His family have, however, moved to clarify the situation, as the spokesperson for the family said, “Oba Olakulehin is in good state of health and in good frame of mind. He has not been physically attending to anyone since the death of Oba Balogun to allow the funeral rites to pass.
“By God’s grace, Baba (Oba Olakulehin) will be in Mapo on Tuesday [tomorrow] for a meeting with the kingmakers where his nomination will be ratified and his name forwarded for approval to Governor Makinde.
“There is no cause for alarm over Baba’s health. He is hale and hearty.”
