Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin was on Friday crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland in a ceremony that attracted the crème de la crème of Nigerian society.
The ceremony preceded the seclusion, for some days, of the now-crowned monarch. He succeeds the 42nd King Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun who died on 14 March 2024 at 81.
Governor Seyi Makinde later presented a staff of office to the Olubadan at the Mapo Halls Grounds in the Oyo State capital.
He said Olakulehin’s ascension is a testament to Ibadan’s enduring and resilient spirit.
“I, Engr Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me by Sections 1 and 2, Subsections 20 of the Oyo State Chiefs Law, Cap 28, Volume 1 Laws of Oyo State, Nigeria, hereby present the staff of office, ratifying the appointment of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland,” the governor said at the elaborate event.
“This has again demonstrated that Ibadanland and the people of Ibadan can be resilient. Those who have been focusing on the things that divide us have now been put to shame. I want to greet the Kabiyesi and pray that God will grant you long life to reign for a long time on the throne.”
The governor noted that the coronation of Oba Olakulehin has also put individuals who chose to focus on things that divide Ibadan in their place as Oba Olakulehin has now taken the crown to Ibadan North-East and Ona-Ara.