Olubadan-Designate Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Returns Home, Quelling Concerns Over His Whereabouts -

Exactly 21 days after the passing of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, apprehensions surrounding the whereabouts of his successor, Olubadan-designate Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, were finally put to rest on Friday as he returned to his residence in Alalubosa, Ibadan.

Journalists were not granted physical access to him, but his media handler and former Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Toye Arulogun, shared pictures of the Monarch-designate in a closed-door meeting with four other High Chiefs who visited him at his residence. The most senior High Chief, Otun Olubadan Senator Rasidi Ladoja, was notably absent.

The throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant following the passing of Oba Balogun on March 14, 2024, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, at the age of 81.

Speaking to the press after their visit to the incoming monarch, the Osi Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, assured that Oba Olakulehin is in good health.

“The Olubadan-in-council cannot nominate Olakulehin as Olubadan unless we are sure that he is in good condition. We thank God that he is hale and hearty, and very soon, he will ascend the throne of his forefathers,” Oba Adebimpe stated.

The High Chiefs present during the visit included Osi Olubadan Oba Eddy Oyewole, Ashipa Olubadan Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Asipa Balogun Olubadan Oba Kola Adegbola, and Osi Balogun Olubadan Oba Lateef Adebimpe.

As per Ibadan chieftaincy tradition, the next Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, hailing from the Otun Olubadan line, must be nominated by the next person in his line, Otun Balogun Tajudeen Ajibola, in a meeting called by the most senior High Chief in the other Otun line, which is Senator Rasidi Ladoja. This process must be completed within 21 days of the monarch’s demise.

While awaiting a formal meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council to be convened by Ladoja, the family of the incoming monarch has already commenced celebrations, with drummers entertaining visitors.