Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin has been crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland in a ceremony that attracted the crème de la crème of Nigerian society.
The ceremony preceded the seclusion, for some days, of the now-crowned monarch. He succeeds the 42nd King Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun who died on 14 March 2024 at 81.
Governor Seyi Makinde later presented a staff of office to the Olubadan at the Mapo Halls Grounds in the Oyo State capital.
He said Olakulehin’s ascension is a testament to Ibadan’s enduring and resilient spirit.
The governor noted that the coronation of Oba Olakulehin has also put individuals who chose to focus on things that divide Ibadan in their place as Oba Olakulehin has now taken the crown to Ibadan North-East and Ona-Ara.
Earlier, President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power Bayo Adelabu, congratulated Oba Olakulehin and said that the celebration was that of the enduring tradition and resilience of the Ibadan monarchical system.
He lauded Governor Makinde for sticking to the traditional rules in approving the appointment and installation of the new monarch.
Also speaking, the Governor of Ogun State and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum Dapo Abiodun congratulated the new Olubadan and the governor of Oyo State on what he described as the beginning of a new era.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Olakulehin thanked Governor Makinde for his unrelenting support of the traditional institution. He also expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the coronation ceremony.
The event had in attendance the Sultan of Sokoto and President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, His Eminence, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II); former Military Administrator, old Oyo and Ogun states, General Oladayo Popoola (rtd); and former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja.
Governor of Osun State Ademola Adeleke, represented by his Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Ondo State Governor, Lucky Ayedatiwa, represented by the Deputy Governor, Olaide Adelami (mni); Governor of Lagos State, Babajide SanwoOlu represented by the Chief of Staff Tayo Ayinde, were also in attendance among other dignitaries.
Olakulehin Coronated 43rd Olubadan Of Ibadanland
