The process of selecting the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland to fill the vacant stool suffered a setback as the Otun Balogun Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, one of the kingmakers, distanced himself on Tuesday from other kingmakers who endorsed the Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
He said this when speaking with newsmen at his Sanyo residence in Ibadan: the Olubadan designate, Oba Olakulehin is not fit to assume the throne as a result of his age-related ailments as of now.
According to him, the man is just being forced by some people to fill the vacant stool.
Recall that four members of the Olubadan in Council, who are the kingmakers of Ibadan traditional council, visited Oba Olakulehin at his Alalubosa residence penultimate Friday to see him physically, and one of them said the ailing next in hierarchy to the Olubadan stool was hale and hearty.
But, contradicting their earlier stance, Otun Balogun Olubadan noted that none of those who went to his house saw him, adding, “Has anybody seen him since last Friday? Those who went there after Friday were unable to see him. They are forcing this man. We should allow him to get well.”
“I won’t support illegality”
Contrary to the views of some of the kingmakers, he said a spade must be called a spade, saying the health status of Olubadan designate could hinder him from being nominated for now.
Otun Balogun Ajibola spoke further, “They said we called a meeting and we have endorsed Olakulehin. I’m not part of that. I have told them my mind that I won’t be part of that illegality. We know Baba Olakulehin is the next Olubadan, but let us allow him to get well.”
“Why are we in a hurry? Someone (Olakulehin) we have not seen. He has not spoken with us. He has not spoken with Ibadan people.”
He continued, “I am his (Olakulehin) second in command, I’m his lieutenant. He has not called me to say, ‘My Otun, I’m back. So, tell your people. And when are you seeing me?’ They are just forcing him because of their own selfish interest.”
However, the barrister did not deny the fact that it was the turn of Oba Olakulehin to mount the Olubadan stool, saying, that kingmakers should leave the Olubadan designate and give him more time to recuperate.
Before Olubadan can be elected, certain conditions must be fulfilled. It is not just about being the most senior. You must be medically fit. You must not be blind and you must be able to recognize people and move around. Even if the kingmakers recommend you, the Governor can reject it based on any of these conditions.”
“Our bone of contention”— Oba Ajibola
He reiterated that if the Olubadan designate fulfills all the requirements, nothing stops him from being nominated.
He said, “Our contention is based on all these. Can he perform? If he can perform, then yes. Nobody is in rivalry with him. Health-wise, he’s not fit for now. He can’t recognize anyone. When he’s well, we will enthrone him,” he said.
“He is being forced. They know he is not well. I wish he can talk himself into saying this is what I want. The rule says he must be able to recognize and speak to his people.
“He needs to recover. It’s obvious he’s not well enough. He won’t be enthroned in the room. He needs to go to Mapo and all of that. Some people are not thinking of Ibadan’s interest. They are only thinking of their own interest,” he added.
Deadline for nomination
“There’s no law that places any consequence if we don’t announce a new person within 21 days. The Governor is the custodian of law. There are traditions we have to follow. If he’s not feeling fine, how can we do that? Ibadan people have not even been able to see him. During Oba Lekan Balogun’s time to become Olubadan, everyone saw him and he spoke with Ibadan people”.
Why family wants Olubadan designate as king – Investigation
Vanguard investigation revealed that the family of Oba Olakulehin, the designate, produced Olubadan about 160 years ago and that if this opportunity eludes them, they don’t know when in their lifetime the pendulum will swing to their family again.
A member of the family spoke in confidence to our correspondent saying, “Member of our family mounted the Olubadan stool last about 160 years ago. In fact, many of us had not been born. Since then, we have not been able to produce Olubadan from our family. Now, when it becomes our turn, they start introducing new rules in the middle of a game. It’s our turn, simple. Our Olubadan is okay to mount the throne”.
“We are alive when one of the members of the Olubadan in Council was being carried to meetings and functions, if he didn’t die before it became his turn, would they have denied him?, he asked.
