43rd Olubadan coronation holds today

By Adedayo Osho

Staff of office will be presented to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Friday 12th of July, 2024, at a coronation ceremony scheduled to hold at Mapo hall, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde will present the staff of office at the event which will be graciously attended by foremost traditional rulers, ranking public office holders, influential Nigerians and well-wishers.

The ceremony follows the Makinde's approval of Olakulehin's nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council, in accordance with the powers conferred on the governor by section 19 (Cap 28) Law of Oyo State 2000 (as amended).

The Olubadan stool has been vacant since the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun died on March 14, 2024.

The new Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is expected to make the customary walk from Ose Meji shrine to Mapo hall after performing some traditional rites and is crowned by the Oluwo Afobaje of Ibadan land.

The Okugbaja family at Ita Baale Olugbode which produced the new king has been waiting since 41 years ago for one of their own to attain the stool as Olubadan.

Olakulehin's journey to the throne dates back to 1983 when he first emerged as Mogaji (family head) - an initial step for a prospective Olubadan.

There are two ruling lines to the throne of Olubadan: the Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military).

Olakulehin is of the Balogun ruling line.

In Ibadan land, it is a custom that the Mogaji, eligible has to climb either a 22-rung or 23-rung ladder depending on their line of ascendancy to become the Olubadan.

Oba Olakulehin when inspecting on June 14, 2024, the ultra-modern Olubadan palace built with support from the Oyo State Government and donations from well-meaning Ibadan indigenes, said he always knew he would ascend the revered Olubadan stool.

The new Oba Olakulehin in June, said "When we started the ladder (Mogaji), I asked, do we get to the climax? And they said, yes! So, I knew that I would become Olubadan of Ibadanland. Now that we are there, we still need to pray to God because he has done good things for us in Ibadan. So, we must continue to praise him."