The kingmakers of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have appointed the current Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. The appointment, made by the members of the Olubadan-in-Council, was officially ratified at a meeting held at Mapo Hall on Friday.
The meeting, which commenced at 11:00 am and concluded shortly after 12:00 pm, saw the unanimous approval of Olakulehin as the successor to the late Oba Mahood Olalekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, who passed away last month.
During the gathering, Olakulehin’s nomination was put forward by the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Lateef Adebimpe, and subsequently endorsed by all members present, including distinguished figures like former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rasidi Ladoja, who chaired the meeting.
Notable members of the Olubadan-in-Council in attendance included Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole Foko; Ashipa Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi; Ekerin Olubadan, Hamidu Ajibade; Ekarun Olubadan, Adebayo Akande; Osi Balogun, Lateef Adebimpe; Ashipa Balogun, Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Balogun, Dada Isioye; and Ekarun Balogun, Abiodun Azeez. The absence of the Otun Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola, was noted.
Following the ratification, the High Chiefs will submit Olakulehin’s name to the state governor, Seyi Makinde, for official endorsement, marking the next step in the process of his ascension to the revered position of Olubadan of Ibadanland