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Tag: Olubadan

  • Olubadan: Olakulehin’s enthronement takes another twist as Ladoja, kingmakers differ on terms of settlement

    Olubadan: Olakulehin’s enthronement takes another twist as Ladoja, kingmakers differ on terms of settlement

    The enthronement of 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Thursday took another twist when the Otun Olubadan High Chief Rasidi Ladoja and other kingmakers differed on signing of terms of settlement to facilitate the process.

    Ladoja, while playing host to Mogajis in Ibadanland led by Chief Asimiyu Ariori at his Bodija residence, indicated readiness to withdraw the suit he initiated against members of Olubadan-in-Council on condition that the two parties must sign terms of settlement as prepared.

    According to Ladoja: “Myself and other members of Olubadan-in-Council have been sitting together and talking. We have accepted to withdrawal  the case from court.

    “I heard that they have started signing the agreement. After all of them had signed, I will also sign my own aspect, and the next day, we will file for withdrawal of the case from court.”

    However, other members of Olubadan in Council, who are defendants in the suit, argued there is no need for signing of any terms of settlement paper as they have already abided by the 1957 declaration.

    A meeting on Thursday at Olubadan palace, Oja’ba attracted Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Gbadamosi Adebimpe; Asipa Olubadan Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Asipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Balogun Oba John Isioye-Dada and Ekaarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande.

    The Otun Olubadan High Chief Rasidi Ladoja; Osi Olubadan Oba Eddy Oyewole; Otun Balogun Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Ekerin Olubadan; Oba Hamidu Ajibade Salaudeen and Ekaarun Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez were absent at the meeting.

    Oba Adebimpe, while speaking on behalf of other members of the Council in attendance at the meeting, said event has overtaken the term of reference as contained in the agreement paper, stating there was no need to sign it.

    He said that they have resolved to comply by the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration which empowers the most Senior High Chief, who is High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, to convene the meeting of Olubadan in Council.

    “We have read through it and discovered that the terms of settlement have been met which is a strict compliance with the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration.

    “We realised that our actions and deeds must be in accordance with the 1957 Declaration that is why we honoured his invitation for a meeting for the nomination of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    “He had called a similar meeting that we all refused to attend but we were later made to know that we had acted contrary to the provision of the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration.

    “Our attendance at the meeting showed that we are complying with the Declaration.

    “The nomination letter is with the State government what is left now is for High Chief Ladoja to withdraw the pending case in court in order to facilitate the installation of the new Olubadan,” he said.

    Asipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi, said similar scenario of litigation played out two years ago when the Governor insisted that he would not give any approval for enthronement of new monarch until the case is withdrawn.

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    According to him: “We had similar problem before the installation of the immediate past Kabiyesi, Late Oba Sen Lekan Balogun. We instituted a court case against the government.

    “Because of this, the Governor insisted that he would not approve the installation of the new Olubadan until the case is withdrawn.

    “The plaintiffs in the suit, ten of us came together and withdrew the case unconditionally from the Court.

    “Two years down the lane, same situation is playing itself out again. There is a case in court, not from our side but from our Otun Olubadan who has insisted that he would not join rank with us as crown wearing Kings but today the matter has been resolved.

    “The new Olubadan has been recommended. We are waiting for the approval from the government but there is a case in the court that needs to be withdrawn.

    “The terms of settlement as contained in the agreement paper that we are expected to sign has been overtaken with event.

    “We are asked to sign that we will abide by the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration. We are already doing that. What are we signing again.

    “The summary of the terms of settlement is that we are going to follow the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration in choosing another Olubadan.

    “What does that Declaration says is that Otun Olubadan, the highest ranking on the other side will convene the meeting of the kingmakers.

    “He called the meeting the first time but we refused to attend because our status are different.

    “But we realised that we have acted outside the Declaration as we later complied with his directives.

    “The nomination of the new Olubadan has reached the government. We are waiting for the approval.”

  • Mogajis meet Ladoja, seek Olubadan’s speedy coronation

    Mogajis meet Ladoja, seek Olubadan’s speedy coronation

    Ibadan family compound heads, otherwise called Mogajis, yesterday visited the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, seeking speedy coronation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the new Olubadan of Ibadan land.

    The Mogajis visited Ladoja in his Bodija, Ibadan home to also express gratitude to him for always standing up to protect Ibadan custom and tradition.

    Speaking during the visit, the leader of the Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, hailed Ladoja for his love and commitment to Ibadan cultural heritage.

    He said there was no time they had cause to seek his assistance, even at very great inconvenience, that Ladoja didn’t render it.

    Responding, the former governor said the coronation of Oba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan was a matter of time.

    Ladoja said he had undertaken to withdraw the suit he filed against the crowned high chiefs from court, to clear the way for Olakulehin’s enthronement.

    He said the agreement prepared between him and the crown-wearing high chiefs is at the stage of signing, adding that when it is eventually brought to him, he will sign without delay.

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    He said part of the agreement includes assurance of not removing their crowns and denying them their rights and privileges if Ladoja becomes the Olubadan.

    Ladoja said he was compelled to go to court when the crown-wearing high chiefs and kingmakers threatened not to appoint him as Olubadan if his turn to become monarch comes.

    High Chief Ladoja said while he was not favourably disposed to desperation by any means, he did not like to treat threats from any quarter with kid gloves.

    The former governor recalled that as Olubadan-designate, Oba Olakulehin had done the traditional knocking. This, he said, culminated in his appointment as the Olubadan-elect about three weeks ago, a development that had been communicated to the government.

  • Olubadan appointment process on course, says Oyo govt

    Olubadan appointment process on course, says Oyo govt

    A letter nominating Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the next Olubadan of Ibadan land is still being worked on at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs; hence it is yet to get to Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde for consideration.

    Commissioner Mr. Segun Olayiwola made this known to The Nation in a chat yesterday.

    He said the process of enthronement had to follow due process as laid down by law, urging those expecting quick enthronement to be patient.

    He said: “The process of enthroning monarchs differs from town to town. For the Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-Council has to nominate a candidate, which has been done. The nomination letter goes to the local government. The local government will write our ministry and from there it will be transmitted to the governor.

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    “In this case, the letter is still with us. We are working on it    We will transmit it to the governor when we have completed work on it.”

    When asked about the time the letter will be transmitted to the governor for consideration, the commissioner said it is possible this week.

    The Olubadan-in-Council sent the letter nominating Olakulehin as the new Olubadan to the government a fortnight ago.

    The development followed the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 14.

    Olakulehin, the Balogun of Ibadan land, was nominated by the council as the next Olubadan.

    The entire city is awaiting Governor Makinde’s approval, after which coronation date will be fixed and rites will be performed for the new Oba.

  • UPDATED: Olakulehin nominated as 43rd Olubadan

    UPDATED: Olakulehin nominated as 43rd Olubadan

    The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has been nominated as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Olakulehin was nominated on Friday, April 12, by the Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe at the Olubadan-in-council meeting held at Olubadan Palace, Oja’ba, Ibadan.

    Those at the meeting included the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja; the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole; the Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; the Ekarun Olubadan, Oba Adebayo Akande; the Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe; the Ashipa Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Dada Isioye and the Ekarun Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez.

    The stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant following the death of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun who died at University College Hospital (UCH) at the age of 81.

    Addressing newsmen after a closed-door meeting of the Olubadan-in-council, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of the state, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja said with the meeting, the appointment of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland has been concluded subject to the consent of the governor of the state.

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    He stated that a letter would be prepared by the local government and sent to the governor as soon as possible, adding that they hoped the governor would give consent to the letter as soon as possible.

    Ladoja said: “As soon as the governor gives consent to the letter, a date for coronation will be picked.”

    Recall that the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola last week said the Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who is also his immediate senior in the military line of the Olubadan system is not fit to become monarch now.

    Ajibola added that the Olubadan-designate be given time to be healthy before he is pronounced and that the seat should remain vacant for now.

    However, Ladoja while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday at his Bodija, Ibadan residence stated that Ajibola cannot determine the health status of Olakulehin, saying Olakulehin is an elderly person and not expect to act like a youth.

    Also in attendance at the meeting was the newly nominated Olubadan himself, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin who dressed in white attire with cap.

    Olakulehin was assisted on both side while walking to venue of the meeting after coming down from his vehicle.

    He was said to have been suffering from old age illnesses haven’t close to 89 years old.

    Attempt by newsmen to speak with Olakulehin proved abortive as journalists were barred from speaking with him.

    Meanwhile, the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola who had earlier said Olakulehin was not fit to become Olubadan was absent at the meeting.

  • BREAKING: No feud on Olubadan stool, says Makinde

    BREAKING: No feud on Olubadan stool, says Makinde

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has said there is no rancour over the Olubadan Chieftaincy laws in the State.

    He warned those disposed to fanning the embers of discord to desist in the interest of the State.

    Makinde spoke while playing host to Muslim faithful who are members of his cabinet and other top government functionaries at his Ikolaba residence. 

    The Governor also said he was yet to receive any official communication from the Olubadan-in-Council on nomination for the stool.

    Read Also: Olubadan succession intrigues deepen ahead Decision Day

    He wondered why some people were focusing on things that divide the State saying there was no place for that under his watch.

    Details Shortly….

  • Olubadan: Ladoja faults Ajibola on Olakulehin’s health status

    Olubadan: Ladoja faults Ajibola on Olakulehin’s health status

    The Otun Balogun of Ibadanland High Chief Rashidi Ladoja has faulted the position of the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, on the health status of the Olubadan-Designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

    Ladoja said Ajibola only gave his personal opinion on the health status of Olakulehin because he is not a doctor.

    Ajibola yesterday said the Olubadan-Designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who is also his immediate senior in the military line of the Olubadan system, is not fit to ascend the throne.

    Ajibola added that the Olubadan-Designate should be given time to become healthy before he is pronounced, stating the seat should remain vacant for now.

    But Ladoja while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday at his Bodija, Ibadan residence stated that Olakulehin is an elderly person and not expected to act like a youth.

    “Olakulehin is not 20 years old man, he is not 30 years old or 40 years old man, he is above 80 years, so, we can expect him to act like a youth,” he stated. 

    Fielding questions on whether Ajibola, who is to nominate Olakulehin as Olubadan at the Olubadan-in-council meeting on Friday can be substituted if he doesn’t attend the meeting, Ladoja said Ajibola can be substituted with another High Chief next to him.

    “Ajibola can be substituted to nominate Olubadan if he doesn’t come to the meeting, I’ve already slated a meeting to Friday because tomorrow is a public holiday, if he doesn’t come, he can be substituted,” he stressed. 

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    The stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant following the death of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun at the University’ College Hospital (UCH) at 81.

    Olakulehin last Friday returned to his Alalubosa Ibadan residence, allaying fears on his absence in the Olubadan-In-Council. 

    The next Olubadan, according to traditional arrangement in Ibadanland, is the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

    Going by the Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement, for Olakulehin to become Olubadan, he must be nominated by the next person 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 monarch.

  • Olubadan succession intrigues deepen ahead Decision Day

    Olubadan succession intrigues deepen ahead Decision Day

    • Olubadan-in-Council members may boycott tomorrow’s meeting

    A new blanket of confusion is spreading over the succession process of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, as suspicion is thickening that Olubadan-in-Council members may boycott the meeting slated for tomorrow during which Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is expected to be pronounced the Olubadan-designate.

    The suspicion Oba Olakulehin’s absence has been spreading among stakeholders since Oba Lekan Balogun’s passage on March 14.

    The Otun Balogun of Ibadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, formally made the claim on Tuesday. He told reporters that Olakulehin was not medically fit for the throne.

    Olakulehin, who is the Balogun of Ibadan land, is next-in-line to the throne, but is yet to be pronounced and nominated by his colleagues because his whereabouts were unknown until last Friday.

    Though a delegation of four of his fellow council members visited him on Friday in his first public appearance after Oba Lekan Balogun’s demise, his second in command, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who was not in the delegation, claimed that Olakulehin was not yet medically fit for the throne.

    Addressing reporters at his Sanyo, Ibadan home yesterday, Ajibola said the plan to pronounce Olakulehin as the Olubadan-designate on Thursday is the handiwork of those seeking his enthronement for their personal gain.

    He said: “I am his second in command, I’m his lieutenant. He has not called me to say, ‘My Otun, I’m back. So, tell your people. And when are you seeing me?’ They are just forcing him because of their own selfish interest.”

    At the meeting with Ibadan elders, Oba Ajibola said: “They said we called a meeting and we have endorsed him (Olakulehin). I’m not part of that. I’ve told them my mind that I won’t be part of that illegality. We know Baba Olakulehin is the next Olubadan, but let us allow him to get well.

    “Has anybody seen him since last Friday? Those who went there after Friday were unable to see him. They are forcing this man. We should allow him to get well.”

    He maintained that Oba Olakulehin was packaged for the Friday appearance to deceive Ibadan people.

    “You journalists too should go and interview him (Olakulehin). You should remember during the Oba Balogun reign, he was at Mapo and debunked the rumour of saying he was blind and deaf. Olakulehin is being packaged. He cannot recognise anybody. Where has he spoken? Who did he speak to? Even those (crowned Obas) who went there just sat down.

    “They didn’t say anything. We know he is our leader and they told me before paying him visit last Friday, but I told them Baba has not called me. I wish the best for Ibadan, but let’s follow due process. That’s what we are saying…

    “Those who went there, even the lawyer said they didn’t see him. So, this is not about nomination. Allow this man to get well. Let him be physically fit. There is no law that says if you don’t nominate Oba in Ibadan before 21 days you won’t nominate Oba again in Ibadan or that’s the end of the world.

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    “Governor has a say. He is the custodian of law. He is the Chief Executive of this state. I’ve told them why are you are in haste? They came here, and I told them why are you rushing this man? I said the man is not okay now.”

    Ajibola promised never to attend any meeting until Governor Seyi Makinde takes a step on the issue.

    He said: “I will never attend any meeting until the governor says something on this issue. The governor has the power to appoint physician, medical practitioner to check the health condition of our incoming monarch before they start anything. He must be in good condition, medical fit and sound. He must be able to move around and talk to the people.

    “So, the update so far now is that we have not got Olubadan. They are just trying to wake him up. They are forcing this man. They know the man is not well. So, why are they forcing the man? I wish he can talk by himself. This is what I want from my people. Olubadan must be able to recognise his people. This is my people, he must be able to speak with his people.”

    Some influential indigenes who spoke to The Nation in confidence believed that Oba Ajibola was speaking for other members of the council who have concluded that the needless rush to enthrone Olakulehin was aimed at achieving certain selfish ambition of some individuals.

    They explained that Makinde will have to appoint physicians to test and confirm Olakulehin’s medical fitness in the area of the eye, ear and brain before he is pronounced the Olubadan, in accordance with the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

    The declaration stipulates that anyone to be enthroned as the Olubadan must be medically fit to rule the city, among other conditions.

  • BREAKING: Olubadan-designate cannot ascend throne yet, says second-in-command

    BREAKING: Olubadan-designate cannot ascend throne yet, says second-in-command

    The Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is ill and not physically fit to rule as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, The Nation has learnt. 

    The Otun-Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Abimbola Ajibola, stated this on Tuesday. 

    Olubadan stool became vacant after the demise of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who reigned for two years and died at 81.

    Read Also: Ladoja, other Olubadan-in-Council members in truce move

    Olakulehin would rank among the oldest monarchs to ascend to the position.

    Ajibola, who made this known in a briefing at his Sanyo private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said the Olubadan-Designate be given time to get well before he is pronounced. 

    He said: “What is in need for hurry? Someone (Olakulehin) we have not seen. He has not spoken with us. He has not spoken with Ibadan people.

    “I am his second in command, I’m his lieutenant. He has not called me to say, ‘My Otun, I’m back. So, tell your people. And when are you seeing me?’ They are just forcing him because of their own selfish interest.”

  • Intrigues as Olubadan-in-Council decides Olakulehin’s fate

    Intrigues as Olubadan-in-Council decides Olakulehin’s fate

    • Scheming between Ladoja, others take centre stage

    After physical sighting of the next-in-line to the Olubadan of Ibadan’s throne Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on Friday, members of the council will meet this week to decide on whether to nominate him as the next Olubadan or not.

     The Obas had put their decision on hold since Oba Lekan Balogun joined his ancestors on March 14, shunning a meeting called by the Otun Olubadan High Chief Rashidi Ladoja for that purpose about a fortnight ago.

     A source close to the council told The Nation that it would be meeting this week to decide on Olakulehin’s enthronement as the next Olubadan if his health condition is suitable for the throne.

     The council will likely meet tomorrow (Monday) at the Olubadan Palace at Mapo or Mapo Hall.

     But the new development will not end the intrigues that have dominated the activities of the council since the demise of Oba Balogun.

     Ladoja, who is the Otun Olubadan and the most senior on the Otun line, is the only member of the council that did not accept enthronement as an Oba, both in 2017 and 2023.

     He had dragged the state government to court over his colleagues’ enthronement as Oba by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi in 2017.

    After obtaining a judgment against the 2017 enthronement, the former governor forced his colleagues to surrender their crowns as the condition for Oba Balogun’s enthronement in 2022.

     After his refusal to accept the same crown last year, he also went to court to challenge their re-enthronement by the current governor Seyi Makinde. The case is still being heard at a high court in Ibadan.

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     Since Oba Balogun joined his ancestors and Oba Olakulehin did not make public appearance, Ladoja and other members of the council have been making moves and counter moves.

     For instance, Ladoja was said to have called a meeting for Tuesday, upper week to nominate Oba Olakulehin but his colleagues shunned the meeting. Rather, they met the day before where they appointed Oba Eddy Oyewole as their interim head and also declared that no decision would be taken on Olakulehin until they see him in person.

     The Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration stipulates that anyone to be enthroned as the Olubadan has to be in good health and must not have criminal record.

     The appointment of Oba Oyewole was seen as a move to show Ladoja that he was not popular among them. Ladoja is on a higher rank than Oyewole. But it is believed that Ladoja’s refusal to accept the crown and dragging his colleagues to court twice over the same issue has created disaffection between them.

     In the rotational system, Ladoja is next-in-line after Olakulehin.

     It is believed that Ladoja was behind the intervention of Ibadan elders which culminated in a meeting at Chief Bode Amoo’s house last week.

     Some sources said Ladoja may be seeking rapprochement, seeing that he is getting closer to the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadan land.

     While eight other high chiefs are Obas, only Ladoja is still regarded as a high chief.

     It is not clear if Olakulehin’s enthronement will somehow lead to an end to the bitterness among the council members.

  • Olubadan: Not how long, but how well, Obasanjo eulogises Oba Balogun

    Olubadan: Not how long, but how well, Obasanjo eulogises Oba Balogun

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, noting that his reign, though short, was impactful.

    The former President spoke when he paid a condolence visit to the family of the late monarch at the Alarere home Ibadan.

    He was accompanied on the visit by Chief Fasawe and Arole Gbenga Adewusi, among others, 

    The Nation reports that Oba Balogun, who received Staff of Office as the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland on March 11, 2022 joined his ancestors on March 14 this year, just about 72 hours after the celebration of his second year anniversary.

    He was buried at his Aliiwo ancestral home the following day.

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    The ex-President was received by some family members of the late monarch, including: two of the Oloris: Olayinka and Olufunmilayo and few of the children; the Bobajiro of Ibadanland and a former Oyo State Head of Service, Alhaji Tajudeen Aremu.

    According to a statement by the Personal Assistant (Media) to the late Olubadan, Oladele Ogunsola,  Obasanjo described the late Oba Balogun as a personal friend, saying the visit being paid was his duty.

    Obasanjo said: “The late Olubadan was not a foreigner to me, he was my friend and it is my duty to pay this visit to his family. He carried the position very well, he was ‘Gbobaniyi’.

    “Naturally, we would have loved him to be around us for much longer time, but God knows best. As it is said in Yoruba that ‘o wuni ka jeran pe lenu, oofa ona ofun o je’ that’s as much as we want to hold the meat in our mouth, the drawer from our esophagus won’t allow us.