“They are just forcing him because of their own selfish interest,” Word-for-word of what Otun Balogun said on Olakulehin + Is the coast becoming clearer for Ladoja?
Fresh controversy has greeted the declaration by the Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, that the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was incapacitated.
Platforms Africa reports that Ajibola made the declaration at a press conference, maintaining that Olakulehin, an Octogenarian, was still and not physically fit to rule at the moment.
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The Olubadan stool became vacant after the demise of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who reigned for two years and died at the age of 81.
Oba Ajibola, who addressed newsmen at his Sanyo private residence in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, said, “What is in need for 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.”
While speaking on the meeting held at the private residence of Chief Bode Amoo at Agodi Government Reserved Area in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Monday, Oba Ajibola said, “They said we called a meeting and we have endorsed him (Olakulehin). I’m not part of that. I’ve 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.
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“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.”
Meanwhile, tongues have begun to wag with some Ibadan indigenes asked about the implications of this allegation by Balogun and the possible emergence of the next in line of Olubadan, who it was gathered to be a former governor of oyo state, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Ibadan is unique with an ascension template for Olubadan.
The town, which operates hierarchical template, has an age-long tradition of choosing the next in rank to Olubadan as the next king.
Platforms Africa reports that there are two Olubadan succession lines: Egbe Agba (Civil) and Balogun (military) lines.
Dr Lekan Balogun was from Olubadan (civil/civilian) line before he became Olubadan after the then Olubadan Soliu Adetunji Aje Ogunguniso from Balogun line.
And since it is by rotation when an Olubadan line goes then comes Balogun line. Okunmade was picked from Olubadan line though he bore Balogun as his surname he was not from Balogun line. After him is Balogun Olubadan (Olakulehin) and after him is Baba Rashidi Ladoja who is currently (civil) Osi Olubadan followed by Olufemi Olaifa the current Otun Balogun.
This is how it runs:
1. Olubadan (ruler)
2. Otun Olubadan
3. Balogun Olubadan
4. Osi Olubadan
5. Otun Balogun
6. Ashipa Olubadan
7. Osi Balogun
8. Ekarun Olubadan
9. Ashipa Balogun Olubadan
10. Etc etc to 22nd/23rd last position .
With this arrangement, Ifa (oracle) has no role to play in who becomes Olubadan, unlike in other parts of Yorubaland.
Platforms Africa
