- Kingmakers divided over nomination of new monarch
- Olubadan-designate not fit to rule now – Second-in-command
There is confusion in Ibadan over the selection of the next Olubadan following the death of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
According to tradition, the enthronement process for the next in line to the throne of the Olubadan was expected to begin immediately after the eighth-day prayer of the late Olubadan, which was held on March 22, 2024.
The confusion deepened on Tuesday as the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, declared that the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is still ill and not physically fit to rule at the moment.
He said this when speaking with newsmen at his Sanyo residence in Ibadan that the Olubadan designate, Oba Olakulehin is not fit to assume the throne as a result of his age-related ailments as of now.
According to him, the man is just being forced by some people to fill the vacant stool.
Four members of the Olubadan in Council who are the kingmakers of Ibadan traditional council had visited Oba Olakulehin at his Alalubosa residence penultimate Friday to see him physically and one of them said the ailing next in hierarchy to the Olubadan stool was hale and hearty.
But, contradicting their earlier stance, Otun Balogun Olubadan noted that none of those who went to his house saw him asking that “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.”
Contrary to the views of some of the kingmakers, he said a spade must be called a spade saying the health status of Olubadan designate could hinder him from being nominated for now.
Otun Balogun Ajibola spoke further, “They said we called a meeting and we have endorsed Olakulehin. I’m not part of that. I have 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.”
“Why are we in a hurry? Someone (Olakulehin) we have not seen. He has not spoken with us. He has not spoken with Ibadan people.”
He continued, “I am his (Olakulehin) 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.”
However, the lawyer did not deny the fact that it was the turn of Oba Olakulehin to mount the Olubadan stool saying that kingmakers should leave the Olubadan designate and give him more time to recuperate.
“Before Olubadan can be elected, certain conditions must be fulfilled. It is not just about being the most senior. You must be medically fit. You must not be blind and you must be able to recognize people and move around. Even if the kingmakers recommend you, the Governor can reject it based on any of these conditions,” Oba Ajibola said.
He reiterated that if the Olubadan designate fulfills all the requirements, nothing stops his being nominated.
He said, “Our contention is based on all these. Can he perform? If he can perform, then yes. Nobody is in rivalry with him. Health-wise, he’s not fit for now. He can’t recognize anyone. When he’s well, we will enthrone him.
“He is being forced. They know he is not well. I wish he could talk by himself and say this is what I want. The rule says he must be able to recognize and speak to his people.
“He needs to recover. It’s obvious he’s not well enough. He won’t be enthroned in the room. He needs to go to Mapo and all of that. Some people are not thinking of Ibadan’s interest. They are only thinking of their own interest.
“There’s no law that places any consequence if we don’t announce a new person within 21 days. The Governor is the custodian of law. There are traditions we have to follow. If he’s not feeling fine, how can we do that? Ibadan people have not even been able to see him. During Oba Lekan Balogun’s time to become Olubadan, everyone saw him and he spoke with Ibadan people,” he added.
Investigation revealed that the family of Oba Olakulehin, the designate, produced Olubadan about 160 years ago and that if this opportunity eludes them, they don’t know when in their lifetime the pendulum will swing to their family again.
A member of the family who spoke in confidence said, “Member of our family mounted the Olubadan stool about 160 years ago. In fact, many of us have not been born. Since then, we have not been able to produce Olubadan from our family. Now, when it becomes our turn, they start introducing new rules in the middle of a game. It’s our turn, simple. Our Olubadan is okay to mount the throne”.
“We are alive when one of the members of the Olubadan in Council was being carried to meetings and functions, if he didn’t die before it became his turn, would they have denied him?” he asked.
The Olubadan stool became vacant after the demise of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who reigned for two years and died at the age of 81 on March 14, 2024.
He was presented with the staff of office on March 11, 2022, after being endorsed by the Ibadan high chiefs.
The 42nd Olubadan died days after marking his second year coronation anniversary.
Balogun succeeded Oba Saliu Adetunji who died on January 2, 2022, at the age of 93.
