Twenty-one days mourning period in honour of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, commenced in Ibadan on Tuesday. The declaration of the mourning period is in accordance with the age-long tradition of the ancient city.
recalls that Oba Olakulehin died on Monday after protracted illness at an undisclosed private hospital in Ibadan. Oba Olakulehin’s death occurred two days after he celebrated his 90th birthday anniversary and at a time when activities to mark his first coronation were in top gear.
Members of the Olubadan-in-Council are expected to commence the process of installing a new monarch after the mourning period is over. The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja, will succeed the late Oba Olakulehin in accordance with the ascendancy process of selecting a new monarch.
The Balogun Olubadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, will nominate the new Olubadan, while his nomination will be seconded by Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, at a yet to be conveyed meeting. The meeting will hold at the new Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area.
Meanwhile, Oba Ladoja is expected back in Ibadan next week. Oba Ladoja was not in the town when the news of the death of the late Olubadan broke out on Monday. Nigerian Tribune gathered that Oba Ladoja would be back next week to facilitate the traditional process.
Our source added, “Baba is coming back next week. Notable dignitaries have been calling to commiserate with him on the demise of the late monarch.”
Also, the President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole, on Tuesday confirmed that the Olubadan-in-waiting, Oba Ladoja, is hale and hearty. He said he visited the monarch at his Lagos residence on Monday, saying Ladoja was in high spirit and physically sound to be installed the 44th Olubadan.
Ajewole told Nigerian Tribune in an interview that contrary to insinuations in some quarters, the Olubadan designate, who is also presently the Otun Olubadan, was being expected in Ibadan.
He said, “I was in Lagos for a legal matter yesterday (Monday) and I visited Baba Ladoja and he was happy to see me, we talked at length during my visit and he has been receiving well wishers. Prominent Nigerians all over the world called him, mostly on video to congratulate him and he has also called me today (Tuesday) to inquire about certain things. So, baba is well and in good health”.
However, a statement by one of the aides of the monarch, Bolarinwa Adekola, said Ajewole’s visit was part of the ongoing consultations and preparations ahead of the formal coronation of Ladoja following the demise of Oba Olakulehin.
The statement said Chief Ajewole expressed delight at the warm reception and reaffirmed the commitment of Ibadan indigenes both at home and in the diaspora to ensuring a smooth and dignified transition of royal authority.
The CCII President General also commended the Olubadan-in-waiting for his decades of dedicated service to the progress of Ibadan, both as a respected public servant and as a traditional statesman.
Responding during the visit, the statement quoted Oba Ladoja to have said, “I sincerely appreciate the good people of Ibadanland and the President-General of the CCII for their unwavering support and commitment.”