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Olubadan: Ladoja In LineAs Olakulehin Dies At 90

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*Tinubu Mourns, Recalls Missed Anniversary Celebration

FORMER governor of Oyo State, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, is next in line to become the Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the passage of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin in the early hours of Monday, July 7.

    Olakulehin, who ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan barely a year ago, dies two days after his 90th birthday.

Already, preparations were underway for a smooth transition to the next in line, Ladoja, who currently holds the title of Otun Olubadan.

By Ibadan tradition and custom, succession follows a rotational basis between two lines- the civil line (Otun Olubadan) and the military line (Balogun).

Olakulehin hailed from the military (Balogun) line and tradition dictates that the next Olubadan must come from the civil line (Otun Olubadan), with Ladoja as the most senior title holder and so next in line.

This rotational system has ensured the stability and smooth succession and ascension to the exalted throne, despite past controversies, including the attempted elevation of high chiefs to Oba status by the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi, as the court upheld the primacy of the 1957 chieftaincy declaration.

Recall that Ladoja previously rejected the beaded crown offered by the Ajimobi administration, following a review of the said law, citing illegality. But he later later accepted the Obaship title in line with a new consensus reached by the Olubadan-in-Council and ratified by the current government of Seyi Makinde.

It was gathered that the coronation process would involve a seven-day seclusion period for the high chiefs, followed by a notification to the governor and announcement of the new Olubadan, who is expected to emerge within 40 days after the passage of the previous one.

In accordance with the line of succession, the current Osi Olubadan, Eddy Oyewole, will succeed Ladoja as the new Otun Olubadan, while the current Ashipa Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi, is expected to become Osi Olubadan.

   Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over Olakulehin’s death, as a painful twist of fate, having earlier planned to join the late Olubadan to celebrate his first anniversary on July 12.

    Tinubu, in a condolence message on Monday, July 7, said: “Just last week, I received an invitation from the late Olubadan to his 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary celebrations.

   “Shockingly, his death came days before the anniversary. He will be remembered for upholding the honour and prestige of his highly revered stool.”

    The President described Olakulehin as a custodian of culture, a man of intellect and integrity and a symbol of peace, wisdom and continuity, whose contributions extended beyond the palace into education, governance and national development.

    Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale, near Akanran, in Ibadan North East Local Council of Oyo State, Olakulehin rose through the succession system of Ibadanland to became Olubadan on March 14, 2024, following the death of Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.

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