Olubadan-designate Settles Rift with Ajibola as Ibadan Monarchs Pay Homage

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

The rift between the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin and Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, finally came to an end yesterday as the duo embraced each other when Ibadan Obas paid homage to Olakulehin.
Ajibola had a few months ago said Olakulehin was not fit to become the Olubadan due to his health status, stating that he should be given enough time to be fit before he is coronated as the Olubadan.

This was to cause tension among members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Mogajis, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigiens (CCII) and some Chiefs in Ibadanland, on who would be the next Olubadan.
The throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant following the death of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun.
Ajibola while speaking at the Alalubosa residence of Olakulehin, said everything that happened then was to the advantage of the Olubadan-designate, describing Oba Olakulehin as his close associate as they always talked with each other before the rancour.

He stated that all he was after was the progress and development of Ibadanland, insisting that he had nothing against Olakulehin as a person.
“We all know who is the next Olubadan, there is no rancour in Ibadan Chieftancy title. All we are saying then was that we want to see the Olubadan-designate face to face, we can’t coronate a faceless Oba.

“We are happy now that he has shown his face and we can all see that he is hale and healthy. Ibadan Chieftaincy title is very clear, all that happened was for the benefit of Baba, he is my close associate and we always talked together most of the time,” he said.
Also, speaking on behalf of the Royal Highness, the Oniroko of Irokoland, Oba Olasunkanmi Abioye Opeola, described Olakulehin as a good monarch who always has the interest of Ibadanland at heart.
Prince Olasumbo Owolabi Olakulehin while speaking on behalf of Oba Olakulehin, said the monarch has assured the people that Ibadan would continue to progress and witness many unprecedented development during his reign as the Olubadan.