Tension In Ibadan As Kingmakers Confirm Next Olubadan Today, Some Plot Boycott

Amid heightened tension in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is set to be confirmed as the Olubadan of Ibadanland today by the Olubadan-in-Council.

Barring any changes amid the power tussle in the ranks of the kingmakers, Olakulehin’s name would be forwarded to Oyo State Governor, Mr. Seyi Makinde, for approval after the confirmation.

The meeting is slated to occur at the Olubadan Palace at Oja’ba in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state.

High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Governor of Oyo State, rescheduled the meeting from Thursday to Friday (today) due to public holidays.

This assembly aims to resolve the controversies surrounding Oba Olakulehin’s nomination following the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 14, 2024.

However, there are reports that some of the Ibadan crowned Obas may not attend today’s meeting, although they were duly informed.

A source disclosed, “I may confirm to you that some of them will not honor the invitation, even though they were duly informed. None of them (the kingmakers) will deny or say he hasn’t received the message to that effect.”

It is anticipated that Oba Olakulehin will be present at today’s meeting.

Attention is now on the kingmakers, who have been duly notified of today’s meeting to confirm and announce Oba Olakulehin as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

In accordance with the Ibadan chieftaincy protocol, the nomination of the new monarch must be made by the person next in line at a meeting convened by the most senior chief in the other line.

Despite objections from Otun Balogun Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who expressed concerns about Oba Olakulehin’s fitness to rule, Ladoja disagreed, emphasizing Oba Olakulehin’s age and experience.

If Oba Ajibola fails to attend today’s meeting, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, who is next in line, will make the nomination.

Following today’s meeting, the kingmakers will present their nomination to Governor Makinde for ratification and approval.

Governor Makinde, addressing concerns during a Sallah homage, emphasized the importance of unity and urged against actions that could cause division, affirming that the nomination process had not yet concluded.