Makinde: Next Olubadan will be installed as soon as he is strong enough

The Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be installed as soon as he is strong enough, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, has said.

Speaking in Ibadan on Saturday, Makinde said he had received the recommendation of Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan by the Olubadan-in-Council.

According to him, due process was adhered to in the selection process.

“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.

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“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,”Makinde said.

Daily Trust reports that the Olubadan stool became vacant following the demise of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who resigned for two years before passing away at the age of 81 in March.

But after his nomination, the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, said Olakulehin was not physically fit to assume the throne at the time.

Briefing journalists, Oba Ajibola said: “Why the rush? We have not even seen him (Olakulehin). He has not communicated with us or the people of Ibadan. I am his second in command, his lieutenant. Yet, he has not reached out to inform me of his return or discuss his plans. They are merely pressuring him due to their own selfish interests.”

“They claim we convened a meeting and endorsed him (Olakulehin). I dissociate myself from that. I’ve made it clear I won’t partake in such illegality. While we acknowledge Baba Olakulehin as the next Olubadan, let us give him time to recover.”

However, Olakulehin’s family criticised Ajibola over the comment, which triggered controversy.