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Tag: Olakulehin

  • Jagun Olubadan Sanusi felicitates Olakulehin on 89th birthday

    Jagun Olubadan Sanusi felicitates Olakulehin on 89th birthday

    The Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, and owner of Ilaji Hotel and Sport Resort, Ibadan, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi has felicitated with the Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on the occasion of his 89th birthday.

    A statement by Sanusi lauded Olakulehin’s distinguished career as a community leader, public servant, and elder statesman.

    Read Also: Ajibola settles rift with Olakulehin

    He said: “I wish to extend my sincere congratulations to His Royal Highness on this special occasion.”

    Sanusi also congratulated Oba Olakulehin on his forthcoming coronation ceremony, slated on July 12th.

    Sanusi, while eulogizing Olakulehin said, “Oba Olakulehin is a true embodiment of the finest qualities of leadership, wisdom, and integrity.

    “Throughout his distinguished career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to serving his community and his people.

    “We are all fortunate to have such a dedicated and respected leader to guide us into the future and I am confident that he will bring wisdom, integrity, and vision to the position of Olubadan.”

  • Ajibola settles rift with Olakulehin

    Ajibola settles rift with Olakulehin

    The rift between the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola and the Olubadan- designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was yesterday settled, as the duo embraced each other when Ibadan Obas paid homage to Olakulehin.

    Ajibola a few months ago had said that Olakulehin was not fit to become the Olubadan due to his health status.

    He said Olakulehin should be given enough time to be fit before coronating him as the Olubadan.

    This statement caused chaos among Olubadan-in-council, Mogajis, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and some chiefs in Ibadanland.

    Speaking yesterday at the Alalubosa home of Olakulehin, Ajibola, a lawyer, said everything that happened then was at the advantage of the Olubadan-designate.

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    He described Olakulehin as his close associate, saying the rift has been settled.

    Speaking on behalf of the Royal Highness, the Oniroko of Irokoland, Oba Olasunkanmi Abioye Opeola, described Olakulehin as a good king, who always have the interest of Ibadanland at heart.

    He said Ibadanland will witness peace, progress and development during the reign of Olakulehin.

  • Olubadan: Ajibola settles rifts with Olakulehin as Ibadan Obas pay homage

    Olubadan: Ajibola settles rifts with Olakulehin as Ibadan Obas pay homage

    The rift between Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, and Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was resolved on Thursday, July 4, as they embraced each other during a visit by Ibadan Obas (Royal Majesties and Royal Highnesses) to pay homage to Olakulehin.

    A few months ago, Ajibola had expressed reservations about Olakulehin’s suitability for the Olubadan throne, citing health concerns.

    He advocated for Olakulehin to be given adequate time to prepare before his coronation as Olubadan, sparking discord among the Olubadan-in-Council, Mogajis, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), and some Chiefs in Ibadanland.

    The throne became vacant following the death of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun. Speaking at Olakulehin’s residence in Alalubosa, Ajibola, a lawyer, clarified that his previous remarks were aimed at ensuring Olakulehin’s readiness for the position.

    He emphasised their cordial relationship and expressed his support for Olakulehin’s leadership, stressing that his concern was solely for the progress and development of Ibadanland, affirming that he harboured no personal animosity towards Olakulehin.

    He said: “We all know who the next Olubadan is, there is no rancour in Ibadan Chieftancy title, all we are saying then was that we want to see the Olubadan-designate face to face, we can’t coronate a faceless Oba.

    “We are happy now that he has shown his face and we can all that see that he is hale and hearty. Ibadan chieftaincy title is very clear, all that happened was for the benefit of Baba, he is my close associate and we always talk together most of the time.”

    Speaking on behalf of the Royal Highness, the Oniroko of Irokoland, Oba Olasunkanmi Abioye Opeola, described Olakulehin as a good king who always has the interest of Ibadanland at heart.

    He said Ibadanland will witness tremendous peace, progress, and development during the reign of Olakulehin.

    Olakulehin

    He pleaded with Olakulehin to permit all Royal Highness to have monthly meetings with him to update him on happenings in their respective domains.

    Prince Olasumbo Owolabi Olakulehin while reacting on behalf of Olakulehin said the monarch assured that Ibadan will continue to progress and witness much unprecedented development during the reign of Olakulehin as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

  • Why Oyo govt delayed approval of Olakulehin’s choice as 43rd Olubadan

    Why Oyo govt delayed approval of Olakulehin’s choice as 43rd Olubadan

    Oyo State Government has revealed that dissenting voice within the Olubadan-In-Council on the health status of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was the reason government was careful in approving his nomination as the new Olubadan of Ibadan.

    Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Olusegun Olayiwola, made this known in an interview with The Nation.

    Though he did not mention his name, Olayiwola explained that one of the members of the Olubadan-In-Council objected to Olakulehin’s nomination on health grounds, which necessitated that the government should patiently consider all positions before approving the nomination.

    A member of the council, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, had opposed Olakulehin’s nomination on the strength that the latter had not been seen for some time, and that his health status did not suggest he was medically fit for enthronement as the new Olubadan.

    Read Also: All set for Olakulehin’s coronation as 43rd Olubadan

    Ajibola is next in rank to Olakulehin in the Balogun line, which is to produce the next candidate for the Olubadan throne. While Olakulehin is the Balogun of Ibadan land, who is the head of the Balogun line, Ajibola is the Otun Balogun. The chieftaincy declaration stipulates that the next in rank on the line to produce the Olubadan can be nominated if the next in line is disqualified on grounds of medical fitness or criminal record.

    Ajibola had opposed the nomination, querying what he described as ‘a rush’ to nominate Olakulehin when his health status was yet to be confirmed. But other members of the council nominated him after confirming his fitness during a visit to Olakuelehin’s home in his first public appearance after Oba Lekan Balogun’s demise in March.

    The Nation recalls that shortly after Olakulehin’s nomination by the council, the governor sent a three-member delegation to the Olubadan-designate to ascertain his physical state of health. The team, it was learnt, gave a positive report to the governor, which led to progress on the succession process.

    Olayiwola was a member of the delegation.

    The commissioner said the state government did not interfere with the process because it was the business of families and kingmakers. He said even the local government would only send a representative to kingmakers’ meetings during selection as a mere observer.

  • All set for Olakulehin’s coronation as 43rd Olubadan

    All set for Olakulehin’s coronation as 43rd Olubadan

    After much speculations and air of uncertainty, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde made public his approval of the appointment of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of lbadanland.

    The governor gave the approval in a memo signed on June 14, 2024, in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 19 (Cap 28) Law of Oyo State 2000 as amended.

    A statement by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Olusegun Olayiwola, said the approval is a culmination of series of processes stipulated by the extant laws of the state regarding ascension to royal thrones.

    The Nation recalls that the governor had at the final burial of the late Olubadan, Lekan Balogun, indicated interest by acknowledging the receipt of the recommendations of the Olubadan-in-Council on the next Olubadan.

    Makinde had at the event said Oba Olakulehin will be enthroned as soon as the Olubadan-designate is strong enough for the processes, noting that due process has been followed in the selection process.

    The Nation reports that the late Oba Balogun died on March 14, 2024, aged 81. He reigned for two years and was buried according to Islamic rites a day after his death.

    Makinde’s remarks generated mixed reaction among stakeholders and people of the state, as some reasoned that the governor had no right to delay the enthronement on account of speculations of ill health of the Olubadan-designate.

    Notably, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, faulted Governor Makinde over his comments on the health status of Oba Olakulehin, saying it was wrong to have said Olakulehin will be enthroned when he is fit to be Olubadan.

    He said only the town (Ibadan people) could enthrone Olubadan not the governor, adding that Makinde could only present staff of office and instrument of office to the Olubadan- designate, not enthroning him.

    He maintained that the role of the government was just to give staff of office and instrument of office to the Olubadan-designate.

    The remarks peaked series of verbal wars that had ensued shortly after Oba Balogun joined his ancestors.

    Crisis started when the Olubadan-in-Council refused to heed the call of Senator Ladoja for a meeting where Oba Olakulehin was to be nominated as the next Olubadan.

    The members of the Council had insisted that they would not attend the meeting on the grounds that there was an ongoing legal battle instituted by the former governor, challenging their enthronement and elevation as beaded crown wearing Obas, after he refused to also be crowned.

    The situation worsened when efforts to get the two parties to reach an agreement were not successful, as members of the Council insisted that they could not reach any agreement with Ladoja on the grounds that the case was before a court.

    Notwithstanding, the Council met, nominated Oba Olakulehin and sent the nomination to the state government through the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.

    However, it was a huge relief when the former governor withdrew his case against Olubadan-in-Council, paving the way for the approval of the enthronement process of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin.

    Read Also: FG approves N280b for completion of Bodo-Bonny road

    Ladoja had gone to court over an alleged threat to his kingship ambition by other members of the Council, following his refusal to be enthroned as Oba as part of elevation of the High Chiefs by the late Olubadan, Oba Balogun.

    The lawsuit had impeded the coronation of Olakulehin, whose nomination as the next monarch at the time was awaiting approval of Governor Makinde.

    Efforts to make both parties, Ladoja and the Olubadan-in-Council, reach a compromise on signing an agreement earlier, did not yield result, as the defendants in the suit, Olubadan-in-Council, had insisted that there was no need for signing any agreement for out-of-court settlement, since they had  abided by the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration.

    The Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe, who spoke on behalf of other members of the Council at the end of their meeting held at Oja’ba, had justified why they could not reach an agreement with Ladoja, noting that since they had complied with the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration, there was no need to sign any document.

    He had insisted that what was left for the enthronement of Oba Olakulehin was for High Chief Ladoja to withdraw the suit filed against members of the Council.

    However, with the latest development as announced by the governor, the entire Ibadanland awaits the date for the coronation of the new Olubadan, three months after the demise of the 42nd Olubadan.

  • Olakulehin: I’m delighted to be among the living

    Olakulehin: I’m delighted to be among the living

    •  Olubadan-designate inspects new palace

    The Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, yesterday inspected the new multi-million Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

    This is his first official function outside his Alalubosa residence.

    Olakulehin, who had been receiving visitors at his Alalubosa GRA residence, expressed delight on the completion of a befitting palace that would soon be inaugurated.

    The project was earlier scheduled for opening but was postponed following the death of former Oba Lekan Balogun.

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    The Olubadan-designate, who was accompanied on the tour by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, thanked God for counting him among the living witnesses.

    He said: “I am delighted to be among the living to inspect this project. So, we have to thank God. Ibadan people need to appreciate God for this.”

    President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene, (CCII), Niyi Ajewole while conducting the team round the palace, thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for his support in making the project a reality. He said the project is set for opening and will be done as soon as a coronation date is fixed.

    Those who accompanied Oba Olakulehin were Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Oba Kola Adegbola, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Oba Isioye Dada, Chief Bayo Oyero, Mogajis and Baale of Ibadanland, and others.

  • Olubadan-Designate Olakulehin inspects new palace

    Olubadan-Designate Olakulehin inspects new palace

    The Olubadan designate Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on Thursday performed his first official function outside his Alalubosa residence with the inspection of a multi-million ultra-modern Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

    Before now, Olakulehin, who had been receiving visitors at his Alalubosa GRA residence, expressed delight over the completion of a befitting new palace that would soon be commissioned.

    The project was scheduled for commissioning but postponed due to the transition of the immediate past monarch, Oba Lekan Balogun.

    The Olubadan-designate, who was accompanied on an inspector tour by members of the Olubadan in Council, thanked God for counting him among the living witnesses.

    He said: “I am highly delighted to be among the living to inspect this project. So, we have to thank God. Ibadan people need to appreciate God for this.”

    The President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene, (CCII), Barr. Niyi Ajewole while conducting the Olubadan designate and his entourage around the new palace thanked Governor Seyi Makinde for his support in making the project a reality.

    He said the project was set for commissioning, adding that it would be done when the Governor fixed the date for the coronation of the new monarch.

    Ajewole assured people that the date for the coronation ceremony would be announced soonest.

    Read Also: Delta police arrest 400-level undergraduate for faking his kidnap

    Governor Makinde had during the state burial rite of the immediate past monarch, Oba Balogun confirmed that he received the recommendation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin by the Olubadan in Council as the next monarch of the ancient.

    He admitted that the kingmakers have followed the due process in their recommendation of Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan.

    But the Governor said the coronation ceremony would be put on hold until Olakulehin was strong.

    On the entourage of Olakulehin were Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Oba Kola Adegbola, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Oba Isioye Dada, Chief Bayo Oyero, Mogajis and Baale of Ibadanland and host of others.

  • Oba Olakulehin to inspect new Olubadan palace

    Oba Olakulehin to inspect new Olubadan palace

    The Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will today inspect the multi-million naira newly built Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

    Olakulehin, with the Olubadan-in-council, will be conducted round the palace by the leadership of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) which built the palace.

    Oba Olakulehin will be the first Olubadan to use the palace. He will move to the palace after his installation at Mapo Hill.

    Read Also; Olubadan: Olakulehin to inspect multimillion naira newly built palace

    The palace, just few kilometers away from the old one at Oja’ba, will be opened by Governor Seyi Makinde.

    Governor Makinde, at the funeral of the late Oba Lekan Balogun, acknowledged recommendation of Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan. The governor said due process was followed in the selection process, and that Olakulehin will be installed as soon as he is strong enough for the processes.

    Oba Balogun died on March 14, aged 81. He reigned for two years.

  • Olubadan stool: Makinde endorses Olakulehin

    Olubadan stool: Makinde endorses Olakulehin

    • Coronation to take place once recuperating Oba designate regains strength

    Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday acknowledged the receipt of the recommendation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan by the Olubadan-in-Council.

    Noting that due process has been followed in the selection process, the governor said Oba Olakulehin will be enthroned as soon as the recuperating Olubadan-designate is strong enough for the processes.

    Makinde spoke yesterday at the final burial ceremony of the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.

    Oba Balogun died on March 14, 2024 at the age of 81. He reigned for two years and was buried a day after his death according to Muslim rites.

    The burial ceremony, which held at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, was attended by traditional rulers, title holders, religious leaders, top government functionaries, relatives of the late Oba and family members, among others.

    In spite of the heavy rain that poured midway into the event, residents of Ibadan, guests, family and friends turned out in large numbers to honour the late traditional ruler.

    Makinde, who in his remarks comically said that those who did not want the celebration of the late monarch were the ones behind the rain, evoking laughter from guests, urged the late monarch’s family members and everyone in the state to feel happy that the late monarch lived a fulfilled and impactful life.

    He added that he himself, the House of Assembly and the late Olubadan did what no one thought ‘Napoleon’ could do by amending the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration Laws, which he said would be used to enthrone the 43rd Olubadan.

    Makinde said: “Those who don’t want us to celebrate Baba were the ones that sent the rain, but I have told people to charm it. As they continue that, continue to eat and drink and let us continue to celebrate our late Kabiyesi.

    Read Also: When Olakulehin would be installed Olubadan, by Makinde

    “One thing that I want us to go home with today is that the late Kabiyesi and I did what they think Napoleon cannot do.

    “Myself and the House of Assembly on Friday, 26th May, 2023 amended the Chieftaincy Laws of Oyo State so that the governor don’t need to go to the Council of Chiefs to amend the Declaration of Obas.

    “Myself and Kabiyesi, we amended Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration. Those who haven’t seen it let them go and look for it. That is the Declaration in force to enthrone the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    “I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council and I have accepted it. I have accepted it and we will, as soon as our father, Oba Olakulehin is strong enough, he will be enthroned, because due process has been followed.

    “I want to once again thank you all. To the family, it is we all that lost Baba. But we take solace in the fact that Baba lived a fulfilled and eventful life.”

    In their separate tributes to the late monarch, the representative of the family of the late Olubadan, Senator Kola Balogun, and the President General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Chief Sulaiman Ajewole appreciated Governor Makinde for his support to the family, for honouring the late Oba Balogun and for completing the Olubadan palace.

    Earlier in her welcome address, the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, extolled the virtues of the late first class monarch, charging all indigenes of the community to remember his great values in honour of Ibadanland and oneness of Nigeria

    The event was attended by the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal and his wife, Chief Ajibola Lawal; Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors of Oyo State, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, Chief Moses Alake and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarunmi.

    Also in attendance were the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima represented by Justice Akiniyi Akintola; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni.

    Former Chief of Army Staff and Nigeria Ambassador to Republic of Benin, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai (rtd); General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj-Gen. Obinna Onubogu and the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola, were also in attendance.

    Other dignitaries include the member representing Ibadan South-West/North-West Federal Constituency, Hon. Stanley Olajide Odidiomo, religious leaders and traditional rulers.

  • Olakulehin cleared to become Olubadan

    Olakulehin cleared to become Olubadan

    Olubadan-designate Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s nomination is awaiting Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner Segun Olayiwola said yesterday.

    He disclosed that his nomination as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland has scaled through all the stages, except the final approval.

    Olayiwola emphasised that having passed through other stages, the governor would give his approval, following his return to the country from his oversea trip.

    The governor, who travelled out of the country last month, is expected back any moment from now.

    88-year old Olakulehin, prominent businessman, politician and Balogun of Ibadanland, is expected to succeed the late Oba Lekan Balogun, who passed on two months ago.

    Last week, a government delegation visited the Olubadan-designate.

    It was made up of the Chairman, Governor’s Advisory Council, Chief Ayorinde (SAN); Olayiwola and a member of the council, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.

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    The delegation conveyed the governor’s congratulatory message to the Olubadan-elect and expressed assurances of his high regard.

    A source said apart from assuring that Makinde was not opposed to his nomination,  the delegation was also able to ascertain Olakulehin’s state of health, which is a crucial requirement for approval as contained in the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

    There has been speculations about Olakulehin’s state of health, with some people alleging that he was not fit for the ardous traditional responsibilities.

    The source said government wanted to ascertain whether Olakulehin could withstand the rigour before he can be crowned.

    The source added: “The delegation went there and saw that baba was in good health. So, you can expect that Governor Makinde will waste no time in approving his nomination when he comes back.”

    Olayiwola, however, said Olakulehin’s file was still in his ministry because the governor is not in the country.

    He said: “When His Excellency returns, I will take the file to him. That is when we will know the next action on the issue. But the file is still with us for now.”