Cleric slams politicians over desperation for 2027
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, members of the Olubadan-in-Council led by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) led by the President General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, top government functionaries, family, and friends from all walks of life, on Friday, bid farewell to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The late monarch, a retired officer of the Nigerian Army, was laid to rest in full military honour at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, and buried at the church cemetery within the church compound.
The COAS was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ojoo, Major General Obinna Onubogun. High point of the military burial was the firing of gunshots signalling the departure of the late soldier and the presentation of the Nigerian flag to the next of kin.
The cleric condemned the haste with which politicians are showing desperation about the 2027 General elections, saying those promising to spend only one term in office are only showing the height of their desperation.
Delivering his sermon to round off the weeklong burial activities, the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop, Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, Right Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, urged the people to be mindful of the life they live, noting that on the last day all mortals will give account of their stewardship.
Referring to I Thessalonians 4: 13 – 14, the Cleric said the passing of the monarch is a significant loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State, and Nigeria as a whole.
He said: “… Oba Olakulehin has left this world of thriving wickedness and the Church militant, and he is now at rest in the Church triumphant.
Power Minister Adebayo Adelabu, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, Ayodeji Abass-Aleshinloye and Agbekoya Society of Nigeria(ASN) expressed sadness over the death of the Olubadan of Ibadan Owolabi Olakulehin.
They said in separate statements yesterday that with Olakulehin’s death, Ibadanland, the Yoruba race and the entire country had lost an exemplary, wise and unifying figure.
Adelabu, Sharafadeen Alli, Abass-Aleshinloye and ASN commiserated with the late monarch’s family, the people of Ibadan and the Oyo State Government over the incident.
They prayed for the repose of Olakulehin’s soul.
In his statement, Adelabu, who is the Agbaakin Parakoyi of Ibadanland, said that Olakulehin’s passing marks the end of an era of exemplary leadership, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to the progress of Ibadanland.
He said: “Though his reign was not as long as we expect ed, his tenure was a testament to his deep commitment to the unity, cultural preservation, and socio-economic development of his domain. As a father, custodian of tradition, and unifying figure, he left an indelible mark on the hearts of his people.
‘’His departure is not only a loss to Ibadan but to the entire Yoruba race and Nigeria as a whole.
“In this moment of grief, we take solace in the enduring legacies of peace, stability, and development that he championed throughout his lifetime.’’
In his statement, Senator Alli described the late Olubadan as a man whose brief but impactful reign brought renewed dignity and strength to the Ibadan traditional institution.
The lawmaker, who is also the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, said: “As the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial Zone, I join the entire Ibadanland in mourning the departure of a rare royal figure.“Kabiyesi’s humility, clarity of purpose, and love for his people will remain etched in the memory of those privileged to know and serve with him.”
Alli extended his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, Oyo State Government, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the people of Ibadanland.
Also, the ASN, a group dedicated to the protection of Yoruba heritage, described the late traditional ruler as a man of peace, wisdom and strength.
The group’s condolence message is contained in a statement by its National President, Okikiola Kamorudeen.
It stated that the late royal father served Ibadanland with dignity and unshakable commitment to unity, traditional values and progress.
. The statement reads: “Although his time on the throne was relatively short, Oba Olakulehin’s reign was marked by tranquillity, maturity, and respect for tradition.
“His death is a monumental loss not only to Ibadanland, but to the entire Yoruba nation.
“The Agbekoya Society of Nigeria mourns alongside the people of Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII), and the Oyo State Government.
“We pray for the peaceful repose of the royal father’s soul and for strength to the royal family and people he left behind.”
The group also congratulated Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, who is next in line to ascend the throne of the Olubadan.
Abass-Aleshinloye, in a statement, said the death of the first-class traditional ruler was painful and devastating, particularly because he recently celebrated his birthday and a year on the throne.
The APC chieftain and ex-Association of Local Government of Nigeria(ALGON) leader described the late Olubadan as a highly respected traditional ruler who demonstrated immeasurable love for his subjects as well as citizens within and outside his domain.
He said: “He was a courageous man who protected the dignity of the Olubadan stool and ensured that the traditional institution of the country was well respected and honoured.
“The late monarch contributed to nation-building in various capacities. He lived a purposeful life dedicated to the service of humanity. No doubt, the late monarch will be sorely missed.”
The Ige Olakulehin family of Ibadan has formally announced the passing of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin I.
The revered monarch passed on in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.
Speaking on behalf of the family, former Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, described the late Olubadan as a man of honour whose life and legacy spanned military service, business, politics, and traditional leadership.
“With utmost and profound gratitude to Almighty God, on behalf of the Ige Olakulehin family, I announce the passing on of H.I.M. Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin,” Arulogun said. “Kaabiyesi joined his ancestors in the early hours of today.”
He noted that while the family deeply feels the loss, they are not mourning but rather celebrating a life of purpose and impact.
“Throughout his 90-year journey, Kaabiyesi demonstrated exceptional leadership, resilience, and humility. From his time in the military to his political career and eventual ascension to the throne just a year ago, his life remains a model of service and dignity.”
The announcement comes just three days after the monarch marked his 90th birthday on Saturday, July 4. Plans were already underway to commemorate the first anniversary of his coronation, slated for Saturday, July 12.
Celebratory events had commenced with charitable donations to orphanages and hospitals, conferment of honorary chieftaincy titles, and the Olubadan Olakulehin Football Cup, which had reached the semi-final stage as of Sunday.
Following the news of his passing, dignitaries from all walks of life have been trooping to his Alalubosa residence to pay their respects and condole with the family.
The family stated that further announcements regarding burial arrangements and other traditional rites will be made in due course.
After months of uncertainty and rancour, peace could be said to have returned to the Olubadan Chieftaincy, as discord might have been laid to rest.
This is because a former governor of Oyo State, who is also a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, was yesterday crowned as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland in line with the reviewed Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration Law.
The review had generated acrimony and controversy between Governor Seyi Makinde and the Olubadan-in-Council on one hand and ex-governor Ladoja on the other hand, as the latter had refused to be crowned while others were presented.
However, yesterday’s presentation of beaded crown to Ladoja by the Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin and subsequent presentation of staff and instrument of office by Acting Governor, Bayo Lawal, who represented his principal, Makinde, have laid to rest controversies on the matter.
The ceremony, held at the new palace of the Olubadan in Oke Aremo, Ibadan was the first official event of the monarch. It was witnessed by prominent sons of Ibadanland and top government functionaries.
Olubadan, the consenting authority, who crowned Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who had earlier before the ceremony presided over the first Olubadan-in- Council meeting of his tenure, used the opportunity to congratulate the people of Ibadanland on the renewed unity among Ibadan kingmakers which, according to him, would translate into peace, progress and development in the land.
“With the coronation of Oba Ladoja as a beaded crown Oba, my reign is starting on a very harmonious note, to the benefit of Ibadan land, as all kingmakers are now on the same page,” he said.
Speaking before making the presentation, Lawal said the Governor Makinde administration would prioritise efforts that would enhance the status of the royal system in the state and make it a worthy reference point for other Southwest states.
He said the occasion had put an end to the controversies surrounding the issue of beaded crown in Ibadanland and had shown that the traditional system was capable of reinventing itself without external interference.
Shortly after receiving the beaded crown, staff of office and the certificate of office, the newly-elevated Oba, Senator Ladoja, thanked Governor Makinde and the state government for their efforts in ensuring that peace reigns in Ibadanland.
He equally thanked the indigenes of Ibadanland for their support, praying for the progress of Ibadanland and Oyo State.
He said there was nothing wrong in becoming a king in Olubadan line, adding that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin, remained the only king in the ancient city and that other Obas remained his subjects and advisers.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday said that the ascension of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland is a testament to the enduring and resilient spirit of Ibadan.
Makinde noted that the coronation has also put individuals who chose to focus on things that divide Ibadan in their place, as Oba Olakulehin has now taken the crown to Ibadan North-East and Ona-Ara.
The governor stated this at the historic Mapo Hall Grounds, where he presented the staff and instrument of office to Oba Olakulehin, during an elaborate event organised by the state and attended by the crème de la crème of the Nigerian society.
“This has again demonstrated that Ibadanland and the people of Ibadan can be resilient. Those who have been focusing on the things that divide us have now been put to shame. “I want to greet the Kabiyesi and pray that God will grant you long life to reign for a long time on the throne.”
Earlier, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, congratulated Oba Olakulehin, saying that the celebration was that of the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchical system.
He lauded Governor Makinde for sticking to the traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of the new monarch.
Tinubu said: “It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this coronation and the presentation of the staff of office to Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
“I will like to extend my congratulations to the monarch on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors. This is a truly remarkable story.
“This ceremony heralds another epoch in the history of this highly regarded traditional institution in Yorubaland, indeed in Nigeria and beyond.
“What we are celebrating today is not just the ascension of Oba Olakulehin but the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchy.
“The nation remains grateful for this abiding legacy of the Olubadan dynasty, which has been a beacon of stability with its unique succession route to the throne, a tradition established since 1851.
“The whole country can learn from this rancour-free Ibadan kingship model.
“We must recognise the immense responsibility that comes with this sacred office, and we pray that God will grant Your Majesty wisdom, guidance, and strength to lead the Ibadan people.
“In conclusion, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for sticking to the laid down traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of His Royal Majesty.”
Also speaking, the Governor of Ogun State and chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, congratulated the new Olubadan and the governor of Oyo State on what he described as the beginning of a new era.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olakulehin thanked Governor Makinde for his unrelenting support of the traditional institution.
The event had in attendance the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); former Military Administrator, old Oyo and Ogun states, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); and former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.
…as Tinubu, Makinde say Nigeria can learn from Ibadan kingship model
Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, was bustling with excitement on Friday as it welcomed Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1st, as the 43rd Olubadan.
President Bola Tinubu praised the peaceful Ibadan kingship model, noting that the entire country could learn from it.
He also expressed gratitude for the enduring legacy of the Olubadan dynasty, highlighting its unique and stable succession process.
The event had in attendance Governor Seyi Makinde, the chairman of the southern governors’ forum who is also the governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos) who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa (Ondo) who was represented by his deputy Olayide Adelami and Governor Ademola Adeleke (Osun) who was represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi among others.
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar led other traditional and religious leaders to the event.
Speaking at the coronation and presentation of staff of Office to Oba Olakulehin while presenting his goodwill message, President Tinubu who was represented by the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu said the ceremony is not just about the ascension of Kabiyesi Olakulehin but the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchy, adding that the nation remains grateful for this abiding legacy of the Olubadan dynasty.
According to the President, the Olubadan dynasty has been a beacon of stability with its unique succession route to the throne, a tradition established in 1851.
President Tinubu said: “It gives me immense pleasure to be part of this historic occasion, the coronation and presentation of Staff of Office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of this ancient city of Ibadan.
“I would like to extend my warm congratulations to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Olakulehin on his ascension to the throne of his ancestors.
“Oba Olakulehin’s journey to the throne is a truly remarkable story. He became the Mogaji of the family in 1983 during the reign of Olubadan Asanike and began his journey to this revered throne of Olubadan as the Jagun Balogun in 1986. It took him 38 years and many steps before fate thrust him to the zenith of the ladder.
“This ceremony heralds another epoch in the history of this highly regarded traditional institution in Yorubaland, indeed in Nigeria and beyond.
“What we are celebrating today is not just the ascension of Kabiyesi Olakulehin but the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchy.
“The nation remains grateful for this abiding legacy of the Olubadan dynasty which has been a beacon of stability with its unique succession route to the throne, a tradition established since 1851. The whole country can learn from this rancour-free Ibadan kingship model.
“We must recognize the immense responsibility that comes with this sacred office, and we pray that God will grant Your Majesty wisdom, guidance, and strength to lead the Ibadan people and the country as a whole.
“As the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I am proud to be part of this celebration, I am confident that Your Majesty will continue to uphold the tradition and values that have made Ibadan a symbol of resilience and progress.
“As we look to the future, we acknowledge that there are challenges ahead. But I am convinced that with Your Majesty’s leadership and the cooperation of all chiefs, sons and daughters of Ibadan and the residents, we can overcome these challenges and together build a brighter future for our city and our nation.”
While praying for wisdom, good health and long life for the new monarch, the President seized the opportunity to appeal to the people on the importance of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect as the people continue to strive for peace and understanding among one another.
He said further: “I take this opportunity to pray for Your Majesty’s long tenure on the throne. May God grant you wisdom to make decisions that benefit all the people of Ibadan City and Nigeria as a whole. May you enjoy good health and strength to discharge your duties with dignity and integrity.
“I also take this moment to remind us that our collective prosperity is tied to our ability to work together in harmony. As we celebrate this coronation, let us not forget the importance of unity, tolerance, and mutual respect. Let us continue to strive for peace and understanding among ourselves so that our great city may continue to blossom.
“In conclusion, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Governor Seyi Makinde for sticking to the laid down traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of His Imperial Majesty.”
Also speaking in his short remarks after presenting the staff and instrument of office to the new monarch, Governor Makinde said the ceremony has again demonstrated that Ibadan can be resilient.
He said those who focused on what will divide the people have again been put to shame by the ceremony.
He however prayed for longevity for the new Olubadan, congratulating the Ibadan people for the new monarch.
Makinde said: “I greet Ibadan land. Congratulations to us. May the reign of Kabiyesi, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin be peaceful for us and Ibadan.
“All we are saying today is, the coronation and handing over of over staff of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadalland Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is a great demonstration that Ibadan land and the whole of Ibadan, we can be resilient.
“What that means is those who thought we couldn’t get a new Kabiyesi are ashamed now, as today we are conducting the coronation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
“We carried the crown to Aremo church which is my church, we carried the crown to Ona Ara local government area which is my local government, and we also carried the crown to Ibadan North East local government which is also my local government.
“I greet Kabiyesi and I pray that you will live long and long more than your fathers. I greet all the land of Ibadan. May the lord be with us.”
Also speaking on behalf of the 17 Southern Governors, the Chairman of the Forum and Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun said the governors recognised the involvement of traditional rulers in the society and their significance
He said the enthronement of any monarch from time immemorial in any society remains a significant occasion, adding that the ceremony marks a significant milestone in the rich history and cultural heritage of Ibadan, West Africa’s largest city and Nigeria.
Abiodun said: “I am here representing myself and all the 17 Southern governors of Nigeria. Recognize that the enthronement of any Oba in society remains a significant occasion in the history of every community. It signifies the dawn of a new era and from time immemorial is the yardstick of measuring the stability of our traditional institutions.
“It is no surprise therefore that the process given to the selection and emergence of this new 43rd Olubadan Oba Owolabi Olakulehin meets the invaluable input from the relevant approving authority and the eminent Okugafaja family in the Itubale area of Ibadan land.
“This ceremony marks a significant milestone in the rich history and cultural heritage of Ibadan, West Africa’s largest city and our great nation, Nigeria. Congratulations to all the sons and daughters of Ibadan land on this historic moment.”
In his acceptance speech after receiving the staff and instrument of office, Oba Olakulehin said Ibadan will continue to witness peace and development during his reign as the Olubadan.
He expressed delight to have witnessed his coronation as the new Olubadan.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, traditional rulers, eminent personalities, sons and daughters of Ibadanland, and dignitaries for coming to the events.
Some of the dignitaries at the event include: former governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, and former deputy governor of Oyo State, Moses Alake, Secretary to Oyo State government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, former first lady of the state, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja, Alhaja Bose Adedibu
Others are the Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Oyebola, the Olugbon of Orile-Igbon, Oba Francis Olusola Alao, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, President of Ibadan Mogaji’s, Mogaji Asimiyu Ariori, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has presented staff and instruments of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1.
The Nation reports that Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin has been crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Makinde, made the presentation around 2:45 pm on Friday, July 12, during a ceremony at the frontage of Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
Makinde, while making the presentation, said: “They said they want to sabotage, they want to sabotage, we are here today at Mapo Hall.
“I, Engineer Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State by the virtue of power conferred on me, hereby present the staff of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The origin of Ibadanland is known. It is not a subject of dispute. It was the camp of gallant men of yore. Many of them were assembled to fight war on behalf of the Alaafin of Oyo in the old Oyo Empire. Over time, it metamorphosed into a town; highly organised, meticulously administered, feared and respected by the entire Yoruba. Those who formed Ibadan came from Oyo towns and villages. Others from the nooks and crannies of the race joined them. The occupation of the early settlers was war, although they also practiced other trades, including farming, animal husbandry, weaving, and slave trading.
Forty two monarchs have directed the affairs of Ibadanland since the ancient town was founded by warriors from across Yorubaland.
They ruled or reigned either as Balogun, Basorun, Aare Ona Kankanfo, Baale or Olubadan.
The stool is not hereditary. Only the Mogaji is hereditary.
So prominent was the Mogaji status that a Timi of Ede even aspired to become one, tracing his root to a clan in Ibadan.
For any mogaji to become Olubadan, he must be a long distance runner; full of patience, endurance and hope.
He must also be a man of the community, a man of integrity and honour.
There are two routes to the top: the Egbe Agba (civil line) and Egbe Balogun (military line).
In the days of yore, only men of valour could be on succession line.
Cowards in battles were isolated, shamed, demoted or banished.
All Ibadan chiefs were warriors who proved themselves in battles.
The legacy of Ibadan is orderly royal succession without acrimony, strife and rancour.
The crown of Olubadan was not from Ile-Ife, the cradle of Yoruba race.
In those days, approval for succession came from Alaafin of Oyo, if the new head wanted to assume control as Basorun or Aare Ona Kankanfo.
For example, Oluyole, a grandson of Alaafin Abiodun, assumed the headship of Ibadan as Basorun.
The legendary Ogunmola also took the title of Basorun, usurping Gbenla, the holder of the title. He asked for the insignia of the office.
The Alaafin of the time resolved the crisis by allowing two Basoruns to exist; one in Oyo and another in Ibadan.
Also, Latosa Asubiaro became head of Ibadan as Aare.
As Rev. Samuel Johnson put it in his book: ‘The history of Yorubas,’ “Latosisa usurped the title of Kankanfo by might over right, by displacing Ojo Aburumaku, the Kankanfo at Ogbomoso as Ogunmola attempted to do in the case of Gbenk, the aged Basorun of Oyo.”
The turning point was 1930. Oba Alesinloye became the first head to acquire the title of Olubadan.
However, the first educated olubadan was Oba, Isaac Babalola Akinyele, founder of Ibadan Grammar School and president of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC).
Many olubadans were also politicians, who have served at the local government, state and national levels.
Oba Emmanuel Adeyemo was a Commissioner during the emergency period in the Western Region.
Oba Samuel Odulana was a former House of Representatives member and parliamentary secretary to Prime Minister Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
A very charismatic Olubadan was Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike.
Few gave him a chance, but he reigned for 11 years, one of the longest reigning Ibadan monarchs in modern times.
Oba Adetunji was a socialite; a very hardworking music promoter.
He jealously protected his throne, rejecting the proposal by former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi to elevate many high chiefs to the status of obas.
He said their crowns were carton crowns, which had no basis in history.
The crisis was resolved by Governor Seyi Makinde.
A disciplarian, Oba Adetunji deposed an oba in Iddo area for insubordination.
One of his unfulfilled dreams was the futile agitation for the creation of Ibadan State.
Lagelu was the first head of Ibadan.
There were other rulers after him not captured by historians.
Oba Adetunji was succeeded by Oba Lekan Balogun, a former university teacher who later served as senator.
He is being succeeded today by Oba Owolabi Olakulehin
The monarchs:
Ba’ale Maye Okunade (1820–1830)
Ba’ale Oluyedun 1830-1835
Ba’ale Lakanle 1835-1836
Basorun Oluyole 1836-1850
Ba’ale Oderinlo 1850-1851
Ba’ale Oyesile Olugbode 1851–1864
Ba’ale Ibikunle 1864 (died before installation)
Basorun Ogunmola 1865–1867
Ba’aleAkere I 1867–1870
Ba’ale Orowusi 1870–1871
Aare Obadoke Latosa 1871–1885
Ba’ale Ajayi Osungbekun 1885–1893
Ba’ale Fijabi I 1893–1895
Ba’ale Oshuntoki 1895–1897
Ba’ale Fajinmi 1897–1902
Ba’ale Mosaderin 1902–1904
Ba’ale Dada Opadare 1904–1907
Ba’ale Sunmonu Apampa 1907–1910
Ba’ale Akintayo Awanibaku Elenpe 1910–1912
Ba’ale Irefin 1912–1914
Ba’ale Shittu Latosa (son of Are Latosa) 1914–1925
The coronation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland is generating excitement throughout the ancient city.
Residents are eagerly counting down to the installation of their new monarch.
Preparations are in full swing for the coronation ceremony, scheduled for Friday, July 12, at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
Oba Olakulehin will succeed Oba Lekan Balogun, who passed away on March 14.
The ceremony is expected to attract a diverse array of dignitaries, including traditional rulers, government officials, and business tycoons.
Also, as part of the coronation ceremony, the newly built multimillionaire Olubadan palace at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan, will be commissioned by Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
The ultramodern historic palace, which had its completion delayed for a long time, will serve as the new official residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin had earlier inspected the newly built palace, expressing satisfaction after a befitting new official residence.
Ibadan kingmakers had nominated and selected Oba Olakulehin as the Olubadan-designate in accordance with the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957.
Governor Seyi Makinde has given his approval for the coronation, which is expected to be a grand ceremony.
The people of Ibadan are eager to witness the coronation of their new monarch, who is expected to bring peace and prosperity to the land.
Oba Olakulehin has been hailed as a worthy successor to the throne, given his experience and wisdom in traditional institutions in Ibadanland.
The coronation of Oba Olakulehin is expected to mark a new era of peace and prosperity in Ibadanland, and the people are eager to celebrate the milestone event.
