Olubadan-designate Not Fit to Rule Now, Otun Balogun Declares

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The crisis over the installation of the new Olubadan of Ibadanland took a new dimension yesterday as the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, said the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was still ill and as such, not physically fit to rule at the moment. Ajibola, who is the second in command to the Olubadan-designate on the Balogun line, stated this while addressing journalists at his Sanyo private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

He said the Olubadan-designate should be given time to get well before being pronounced the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Ajibola stated, “What is in need of a hurry? Someone (Olakulehin) we have not seen. He has not spoken with us. He has not spoken with Ibadan people.

“I am his 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.”

He also spoke on the meeting held at the private residence of the Asiwaju of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Amoo, at his Agodi Government Reserved Area residence in Ibadan, on Monday.

Ajibola said, “They said we called a meeting and we have endorsed him (Olakulehin). I am 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.

“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.”