Arrangements have been finalised for members of the Olubadan-in-Council to meet today at the newly constructed Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, to deliberate on the succession to the Olubadan stool following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

Naijaonpoint reports that the meeting, which notice was issued last Thursday, is expected to officially declare the stool vacant and initiate the nomination of a new monarch in line with the city’s long-standing traditional succession system.

Barring any last-minute changes, former Oyo State Governor and Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who is next in line, is set to be nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

A member of the council is expected to make the nomination, which will then be seconded by another member after a brief deliberation. The name of the nominee will subsequently be forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for confirmation.

As of press time, it was unclear if Oba Ladoja, who has been out of the state since the passing of Oba Olakulehin, would attend the meeting.

Sources who spoke with The Nation hinted that the former governor might delay his return to avoid overshadowing the burial rites of the late monarch.

A palace insider said Ladoja is mindful not to let the joy of his nomination overshadow the burial ceremonies of Oba Olakulehin.

Activities marking the burial of Oba Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7 after just a year on the throne as the 43rd Olubadan, commence today with sporting events. The final burial is scheduled for Friday at the Cathedral of Saint Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan.

Confirming the meeting, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, stated that it would proceed as planned at the new Olubadan Palace, marking the first time such a crucial nomination gathering would take place there.

The council is meeting a week after the completion of the 21-day mourning period in honour of Oba Olakulehin, who succeeded Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.