Oba Owolabi Olakulehin will officially be crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland today. The 89-year-old ex-serviceman ascends the throne following the death of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 14, 2024. As part of the traditional ascension rituals, Olakulehin will tour the Oluwo Labosinde compound at Oja’ba, Ibadan, and the Ose Meji shrine before being crowned. Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State will then present the staff and other instruments of office to him at Mapo Hall.
Olakulehin became Mogaji in 1986 and had long aspired to ascend the throne. He expressed confidence in reaching this position when he first assumed the Mogaji title over three decades ago.
Controversy has surrounded Olakulehin’s health, with some kingmakers, including Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, Otun Balogun of Ibadan, raising concerns about his fitness for the throne. Ajibola claimed that Olakulehin’s ascension was being forced despite his health issues. However, Olakulehin’s family and other kingmakers have rejected these concerns, insisting that he is fit to take on the role.
The ceremony at Mapo Hall, where Governor Makinde will present the instruments of office, marks the official beginning of Olakulehin’s reign as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.