Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has been officially crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, with Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, presenting him with the Staff of Office and Instrument of Office.
During the ceremony at the ancient Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the state capital, on Friday, Governor Makinde highlighted that the coronation showcased the resilience of the Ibadan people, despite efforts to sow division.
Makinde emphasized, “Today’s coronation and the presentation of the staff of office to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, demonstrate the resilience of Ibadanland and its people. Those who focus on what divides us have been put to shame today. We have taken the crown to various places significant to Ibadan and my own background.”
He continued, “I greet the Kabiyesi and pray for a long reign on the throne of your forefathers. I congratulate all Ibadan sons and daughters; may God continue to be with us.”
Presenting the staff and instrument of office to the monarch, the governor said, “By the power conferred upon me as the Governor by sub-sections (1) and (2) of Section 20 of the Chiefs Law Cap 28 Vol.1 Laws of Oyo State of Nigeria, 2000, I hereby present the Instrument/Staff of Office, symbolizing your authority as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.”
Dignitaries at the coronation included the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, representing President Bola Tinubu; the Olubadan-In-Council led by Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former state Governor, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Oni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; and the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar. Other notable attendees were former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin; Ondo State Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, represented by his Deputy, Olaide Adelami; Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke; Senator Sharafadeen Alli, representing Oyo South; and various traditional and political figures.
President Tinubu, in a congratulatory statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, praised Oba Olakulehin on his ascension. The statement noted, “President Tinubu joins the family of the new Olubadan, Ibadan citizens, the Oyo State Council of Obas, and the Oyo State Government to celebrate Oba Olakulehin on his ascension to the revered throne of his forebears. The President affirms that Oba Olakulehin brings immense wisdom, experience, character, and strength to the throne, and urges the monarch to use the esteemed position to advance the peace, security, and development of the area.”
In his response after the installation, the new Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde and the President’s representative, Adelabu, and thanked the sons and daughters of Ibadanland, including the Olubadan-in-Council led by High Chief Ladoja.
Earlier, Oba Olakulehin proceeded to Ile Ose Meji, where he was conferred with the Olubadan crown, succeeding the late 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81 after a two-year reign.
