The Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, is set to become the next Olubadan, following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Monday.
The death report of Oba Olakulehin had gone viral on Monday morning before it was later confirmed on behalf of the family by a former Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Toye Arulogun.
Speaking with journalists at the private residence of the late paramount ruler at Alalubosa GRA in Ibadan, Arulogun said, “With utmost and profound gratitude to Almighty God, I announce the passing on of Oba Olakulehin. Kabiyesi joined his ancestors in the early hours of today (Monday).
“We are not mourning the passage of the monarch but celebrating his life. He lived an impactful life throughout his 90-year life journey.
“From his military career to business to politics and his ascension a year ago to the throne, Kabiyesi demonstrated exceptional qualities worthy of emulation. The family will give periodic updates as developments unfold.”
Following the development, the palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan land at Oke-Aremo was temporarily shut.
Family members and palace workers were said to have relocated to the Alalubosa Government Reserved Area private residence of the late monarch.
The late Oba Olakulehin, who celebrated his 90th birthday last Saturday, was expected to mark his first coronation anniversary on Saturday, July 12.
Activities marking his first coronation had kicked off with events including donations to charity homes and hospitals, and conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles, while the Olubadan Olakulehin Football Cup reached its semi-final stage on Sunday.
Following the death announcement, drummers, well-wishers, and supporters besieged the Bodija residence of Oba Ladoja.
The influx of the drummers to Ladoja’s residence was not unconnected with the fact that, based on the rotational system of ascendancy to the Olubadan stool, Ladoja is the next in line.
Ascendancy to the Olubadan stool rotates between the Otun and Balogun lines.
The late Oba Olakulehin belonged to the Balogun line, hence the switch to the Otun line, which has Ladoja, as Otun Olubadan, at the top and the highest-ranking member.
Though drummers and dancers made the entrance to Ladoja’s residence, it was gathered that the former governor was presently out of Ibadan.
Tributes pour in
Tributes have continued to pour in for the late monarch, having spent a year on the throne.
President Bola Tinubu expressed deep shock while commending the Olubadan’s life of service to humanity.
A statement by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, lamented the loss of a revered traditional ruler, a statesman, and a symbol of peace, wisdom, and continuity.
“Oba Olakulehin was not only a custodian of Ibadan’s rich history and culture but also a man of intellect and principle whose contributions extended beyond the palace into education, governance, and national development.
“Shockingly, his death came days before the anniversary. His passing is a significant loss to Ibadan land and the nation. He will be remembered for upholding the honour and prestige of his highly revered stool,” Tinubu said.
Tinubu described the late monarch as a highly accomplished man of peace, a public servant, and a royal father whose life embodies the highest ideals of leadership, learning, and service.
He lauded Olakulehin’s legacy as one that bridged tradition and modernity, adding that his wisdom and moral authority served as a stabilising force in Ibadanland and the wider Yoruba nation.
In his tribute, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State said the state would stand by the family during this period and give the late Olubadan a befitting burial.
Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, also confirmed the demise of Olakulehin.