Kingmakers endorse Owolabi Olakulehin as 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan

Kingmakers have confirmed Owolabi Olakulehin, a former federal lawmaker, as fit enough to ascend the throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Abimbola Ajibola, the Otun Balogun, had alleged that Olakulehin was unfit for the kingship, raising concerns over the health of the 84-year-old ex-military officer.

During a meeting at the Oja-Oba palace of the Olubadan on Friday, the Olubadan-in-council confirmed Olakulehin suitable to be enthroned as the 43rd king of Ibadanland.

NAN reports that the meeting had 10 members of the Olubadan-in-council in attendance, with Ajibola, who had criticised Olakulehin, noticeably absent from the meeting.

Speaking after the meeting, Rashidi Ladoja, Otun Olubadan and an ex-governor of Oyo, said a letter will be sent to the governor to request his consent to the council’s recommendation.

“After the governor’s consent, a day for the coronation will be announced. We thank everyone for the support, as we pray that all of us will be alive to witness the coronation,” he said.

On March 14, Olalekan Balogun, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadan, died at the age of 81.

Kola Balogun, younger brother of the deceased, said he died at the University College Hospital (UCH) after a “slight malaria fever”.