The Olubadan-in-Council will today meet at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, to formally declare the stool of the Olubadan of Ibadanland vacant following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7, 2025.
The crucial meeting, which marks the first of its kind at the newly commissioned palace, is also expected to deliberate on the nomination of a new monarch for the ancient city in accordance with the time-honoured rotational ascension system of the Ibadan traditional institution.
Barring any unforeseen circumstances, former governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who is next-in-line to the throne, is expected to be nominated and announced as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. His name will then be forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for official approval and confirmation.
The nomination process, typically swift and ceremonial, will involve a Council member moving the nomination, which will be seconded by another member after brief deliberations.
However, as of press time, it remains uncertain whether Oba Ladoja will be present at the meeting. Although he has been out of the state prior to Oba Olakulehin’s passing, his return to Ibadan has been reportedly delayed. A close aide disclosed that the former governor is intentionally staying away so that public excitement over his expected nomination does not overshadow the ongoing burial ceremonies for the late monarch.
“He doesn’t want his expected ascension to divert attention from the dignity and solemnity of Oba Olakulehin’s final rites,” the aide said.
The burial rites of the late monarch officially commence today with sporting events and will culminate with a final burial ceremony scheduled for Friday at the Cathedral of Saint Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.
Sources within the Council suggest that Oba Ladoja may choose to speak publicly about his ascension only after the final burial ceremonies have concluded.
Meanwhile, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, confirmed that the meeting would go ahead as scheduled, adding that the Council is fully empowered to proceed with its agenda, whether or not Oba Ladoja is in attendance.
“Yes, the meeting will hold at the new palace today. Oba Ladoja is expected as a member of the Council, but his absence won’t stall the proceedings,” Oba Ajibola told The Nation.
The meeting comes exactly one week after the conclusion of the traditional 21-day mourning period in honour of Oba Olakulehin. The late monarch spent just over a year on the throne, having succeeded Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Today’s council gathering is expected to set the tone for a smooth transition and uphold the revered traditions that govern succession to one of the most respected traditional thrones in Nigeria.