In a momentous announcement that has stirred both anticipation and reverence, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has been designated as the next Olubadan of Ibadan land. This significant step towards ascension was officially approved by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, marking a pivotal juncture in the ancient traditions of the city.
The governor's decision, communicated through his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, underscores the adherence to legal protocols laid out in Section 19 (Cap 28) Law of Oyo State 2000, as amended. With this approval, Oba Olakulehin is poised to undertake the customary rites that precede his formal coronation.
According to insiders privy to the family, who spoke on condition of anonymity, the Olubadan-designate will soon embark on a period of seclusion. This seclusion, a time-honored tradition, allows him to connect deeply with his ancestral lineage and spiritually prepare for the responsibilities ahead. Mogaji Gboyega Adejumo, a prominent figure in Ibadan's cultural landscape, emphasized the significance of this seclusion, highlighting its role in communing with past rulers and seeking divine guidance.
The seclusion period, although not legally constrained in duration, includes essential visits to sacred sites around the Oja'ba axis. These rituals are integral to honoring the city's origins, tracing back to Lagelu, the progenitor of Ibadan, and the revered priest Labosinde. Central to the final rites is the coronation ceremony itself, traditionally conducted at the Ose Meji shrine by the Oluwo (chief priest) of Ibadan.
In anticipation of his forthcoming responsibilities, activities at Oba Olakulehin's residence in Alalubosa Estate have surged with the presence of notable figures such as Dotun Sanusi, proprietor of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resorts, and Chief Bayo Oyero, a former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes. The convergence of these influential personalities reflects the community's deep-rooted respect and support for the incoming Olubadan.
As preparations unfold and the city eagerly awaits the coronation date, the selection of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land symbolizes not only a continuation of cultural heritage but also a testament to the enduring legacy of leadership and tradition in one of Nigeria's oldest cities. The journey towards kingship is imbued with profound spiritual and historical significance, embodying a fusion of past, present, and future aspirations for Ibadan and its people.
