We’ll enthrone new Olubadan when he’s fit medically, says Gov. Makinde

Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has reaffirmed that he is prepared to crown Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the recently confirmed Olubadan of Ibadan land.

Makinde made this statement on Saturday at the Obafemi Awolowo Liberty Stadium, Oke Ado, Ibadan, at the state ceremony in honour of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, who passed away on March 14, 2024.

The Governor insisted that the enthronement of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin will follow due process.

“I have seen the recommendation of Olubadan in council and accepted it, and we will as soon as Oba Olakulehin is medically fit, he will be enthroned because due process has been followed.

“Myself and the House of Assembly on 26th Friday, May 2023, we amended the Chieftaincy Law of Oyo State so that the governor will not need to meet with the council of chiefs for amendment of declaration of the traditional rulers and myself and the late Olubadan, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun we amended the Ibadan chieftaincy declaration,” the governor said.

The Olubadan designate Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was nominated as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland in April 2024.

Speaking publicly for the first time in May 2024 after his whereabouts became the subject of public debate, Olakulehin declared his readiness to wear the crown as the 43rd Olubadan.

However, speculations continue to trail the state of health of the 84-year-old Olubadan designate.