The Olubadan-designate Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has returned to his Alalubosa Ibadan, residence, 21 days after the transition of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
Though journalists were not allowed to see him physically, his Media handler and former Commissioner for Information in Oyo State, Toye Arulogun, took the pictures of the Monarch-designate with four other High Chiefs (who were entering the residence) having a closed-door meeting with him.
The most senior High Chief, Otun Olubadan, Senator Rasidi Ladoja, was however not at the residence.
This allays fears his absence has generated among the Olubadan-in-council, Ibadan and environs.
The Olubadan stool became vacant following the death of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun at 81.
Speaking with newsmen after visiting the incoming monarch, the Osi Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, who led other three high Chiefs to Olakulehin’s residence, said the Olubadan-designate is hale and hearty.
According to him, it is impossible for the Olubadan-in-Council to nominate Olakulehin unless they are sure that he is in good condition.
He said: “It has been some time we have seen our Kabiyies Owolabi Olakulehin in our midst and we have been making arrangements for Olakulehin’s coronation ceremony, who is our new Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“We thank God that he is hale and hearty, and very soon, he will ascend the throne of his fore fathers, we will relate what we see here to our colleagues.
Also at the meeting was the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; the Ashipa Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi; and Asipa Balogun Olubadan, Oba Kola Adegbola.
According to traditional arrangement in Ibadanland, the next Olubadan, is the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Going by Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement, for Olakulehin to become Olubadan, he must be nominated by the next person to him in his line, Otun Balogun Tajudeen Ajibola, at a meeting convened by the most senior chief in the other line, (Ladoja) within 21 days of the demise of the traditional ruler.
The family of the incoming traditional ruler has begun distribution of clothes for the coronation ceremony.
