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Tag: Olubadan

  • ‘Olubadan of Ibadan is alive’ – Oyo govt debunks death rumour

    ‘Olubadan of Ibadan is alive’ – Oyo govt debunks death rumour

    The Oyo State Government has debunked false rumours of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s death.

    Some media reports on Monday night claimed that the revered monarch was dead at the age of 89.

    According to PUNCH, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, refuted the rumours.

    Olatunbosun stated that the Olubadan of Ibadan is alive, hale and hearty.

    “Yes. Olubadan is alive, hale and hearty. I spoke with one of the sons who represented the family at the coronation committee, Prince Olaseke Owolabi Olakulehin,” he said.

    Also, in a chat with our correspondent, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, debunked the death rumours, saying that the monarch is hale and healthy.

    “By the time I left the palace around 8 pm, there was nothing of such incident. Things were moving well. There was no crisis. And when I contacted the palace after I left, they told me Baba is hale and healthy.

    “The Olubadan just finished eating amala. He is hale and healthy. It is just a rumour. There is nothing of such,” he said.

    Ayoade further debunked the rumour that the traditional ruler had been flown out of the town for medical attention.

    He added, “Baba is still in Ibadan. He was not flown anywhere. He is doing very fine ”

    Oba Olakulehin, who received the staff of office from the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on July 12 2024, will clock 90 years on July 5.

  • U Turn: Ex Oyo Gov. Ladoja agrees to wear beaded crown

    U Turn: Ex Oyo Gov. Ladoja agrees to wear beaded crown

    Former Oyo State governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, clarified yesterday that his decision to join other high chiefs in wearing a beaded crown should not be interpreted as him becoming an Oba. He emphasized that despite wearing the beaded crown, which he described as ceremonial, he remains the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.

     

    Speaking to reporters at his Bodija home, Ladoja explained that his decision followed consultations with Christians, Muslims, Oluwo, and Araba of Ibadanland, and was in line with the wishes of the Ibadan people. He reiterated that the ceremonial crown does not make him an Oba, as there is only one Oba in Ibadanland, the Olubadan.

     

    “The crown is ceremonial, for those of us in the Olubadan line to become the Olubadan. We have only one Oba in Ibadanland, who is the Olubadan,” Ladoja stated. “For Ibadan, the crown does not make someone a king. I remain the Otun Olubadan. To be an Oba, you need a domain and chiefs. As an Olubadan chief, you can’t be a king in Ibadan and wear your crown and horse whip to the Olubadan palace.”

     

    He addressed speculation that the amended Chieftaincy Law was targeted at him, suggesting that it was made public to inform him of any potential hindrances to becoming the Olubadan. “It’s not just about becoming the Olubadan, it’s about service. Only God knows who will become Olubadan. I am grateful for the life I’ve been given,” he added.

     

    Senator Ladoja, along with other dignitaries, attended a thanksgiving service for the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at the Cathedral Church of St. Peters, Aremo, Ibadan. The service, attended by monarchs, politicians, and religious leaders, marked the end of the coronation activities for Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

     

    Bishop of Ibadan North Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Rotimi Aladekugbe, urged Oba Olakulehin to use his position to promote peace, unity, and development in Ibadanland, praying for wisdom, guidance, and strength for the monarch. Oba Olakulehin expressed gratitude for the opportunity to serve and committed to working for the progress and prosperity of his people.

  • After accepting beaded crown, Ladoja says I will become Olubadan by God’s mercy

    After accepting beaded crown, Ladoja says I will become Olubadan by God’s mercy

    The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, has said that he will become the Olubadan of Ibadan, expressing gratitude for God’s mercy.

    Ladoja, the most senior of the High Chiefs and next in line to become Olubadan, stated this on Sunday while appearing on ‘Agbami Oselu,’ a radio programme on Fresh FM in Ibadan.

    The former Governor of Oyo State also declared his intention to become a beaded crown monarch in Ibadanland, as stipulated by his status in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

    He explained that various Ibadan indigenes and non-indigenes had pressured him to accept the beaded crown to facilitate his ascension to the throne when the time came.

    Speaking in Yoruba, Ladoja said, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.

    “Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan. No matter the obstacles placed in their way.

    I’m ready to accept Ibadan’s ceremonial beaded crown if it’s the wish of God and the good people of Ibadanland. Only God knows who becomes Olubadan. I know by the special grace of God, I will become Olubadan

    “I will do what the people of Ibadan want. God is determining everything. We have had many people who became Balogun but did not become Olubadan. We have had many people who became Otun Olubadan but did not become Olubadan. Omiyale and Kuye died ten days apart.

    “It is a tough decision, but the voice of the people is the voice of God. That is what the people want.”

    This move is seen by many as crucial to de-escalating tensions arising from the publication of the gazette showing the new amendment.

    The Oyo State government, in the revised Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, passed by the state House of Assembly and signed into law by Governor Seyi Makinde, amended Section 4 of the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

  • What Gov Makinde told newly crowned Olubadan

    What Gov Makinde told newly crowned Olubadan

    Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, 89, on Friday received the staff of office as the 43rd Olubadan of lbadanland.

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State presented both the Staff and Instrument of Office to the new Olubadan.

    The presentation came shortly after Olakulehin was crowned at the Labosinde compound, “the family with exclusive right to crown Olubadan.”

    Oba Olakulehin later proceeded to Ile Osemeji at Oja’ba area, where divination on the future of Ibadanland was revealed.

    The new Olubadan, thereafter, accompanied by members of Olubadan in-Council, family members and well wishers, moved to the frontage of the popular Mapo Hall.

    In his address, Gov. Makinde charged the new Ibadan traditional ruler to use the position for the upliftment and progress of Ibadanland.

    He promised that his administration would continue to promote traditional institutions, while congratulating the entire Ibadan people for a successful enthronement of the new Olubadan.

    The Minister of Power, Chief Bayo Adelabu, who represented President Bola Tinubu, implored Oba Olakulehin to uphold the tradition and values that had made Ibadan a symbol of resilience and progress.

    “As we look to the future, we acknowledge that there are challenges ahead but I am surely convinced that we can overcome these challenges with your majesty’s leadership quality, cooperation of all chiefs and the people.

    “Let us not forget to live in unity, tolerance, mutual respect for one another and let us continue to strive for peace and understanding among ourselves so that Ibadan would continue to blossom,” Adelabu stated.

    In his acceptance speech, Oba Olakulehin thanked sons and daughters of Ibadanland for supporting his enthronement.

    He pledged to rule the ancient city in a way that would fast-track more development.

    Olakulehin equally appreciated the federal and state governments for their contributions toward the success of the coronation.

    Among the dignitaries that attended the event were Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; Deputy governors of Osun and Ondo states, Chief Kola Adewusi and and Dr Olayide Adelami respectively.

    Chief of Staff to Gov. Babatunde Sanwo-Olu of Lagos, Mr Tayo Ayinde, was also present.

  • Makinde inaugurates newly built Olubadan palace

    Makinde inaugurates newly built Olubadan palace

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Wednesday inaugurated the newly built Olubadan Palace situated at Oke Aremo, Ibadan.

    Performing the ceremony, Makinde said he had put process in place that would make all the 11 Local Government Councils in Ibadan, to contribute money monthly toward the maintenance of the palace.

    The governor said his administration would soon commence the second phase of the palace and renovate the Bower Tower, which was behind the palace, so as to attract tourists to the fortress.

    He commended the effort of his predecessor, late Abiola Ajimobi for initiating the construction of the new palace.

    In his welcome remarks, the President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adeniyi Ajewole, expressed joy over the completion of the new palace.

    Ajewole said the completion of the project had put an external stop to the embarrassment, mockery of Ibadan by outsiders “that Ibadan with its uniqueness does not have a palace of its own.

    “Ibadan is not just having a palace today, but a palace of world class which the indigenes can be proud of.”

    Ajewole appreciated all the industrious sons and daughters of Ibadan, who contributed in one way or the other to the commencement and completion of the new palace.

    Oba Oloyede Asanike, who reigned between 1983 and 1993 was the first Olubadan to live in a modern palace, built in the heart of the city, Oja’ba, Ibadan.

    However, the traditional rulers that reigned after him, including the last occupier of the Olubadan throne, Oba Lekan Balogun, made their personal or family houses their palaces.

    The new palace located at Oke Aremo, Ibadan was spearheaded by the CCII following the need to relocate the palace from Oja’ba to a befitting cite.

    The Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who would be inaugurated on Friday will occupy the new palace.

  • 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin to be installed July 12 in Ibadan

    43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin to be installed July 12 in Ibadan

    Seyi Makinde the Governor of Oyo State,  has given his nod for the coronation and presentation of the Staff of Office to Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    The ceremony is scheduled  for July 12, 2024 in Ibadan the Oyo state capital.

    Dotun Oyelade  State Commissioner for Information made known in a statement made available to pressmen.

    The Commissioner noted that “our people must learn to be patient and believe in an administration that has not let them down in 5 years.”

    The statement read, “The insinuations and mischievous innuendos have not derailed Governor Seyi Makinde from the path of justice and fairness.”

    He advised the people of Oyo State and Ibadan in particular to await the spectacle of the Coronation and presentation of the staff of office on July 12.

  • Gov Makinde approves Olakunleyin as Olubadan

    Gov Makinde approves Olakunleyin as Olubadan

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the appointment of Oba Owolabi Olakuleyin as the 43rd Olubadan of lbadanland, an official said in Ibadan on Wednesday.

    The State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Olusegun Olayiwola, disclosed in a statement that Makinde gave the approval in a memo signed on Friday.

    “This was in exercise of the powers conferred on him by Section 19 (Cap 28) Law of Oyo State 2000 as amended.

    “The approval was a culmination of a series of processes stipulated by the extant laws of the state regarding ascension to royal thrones,” he added.

    The Commissioner stated that the governor also congratulated the new Olubadan, and prayed that his tenure would bring about greater developments in Ibadanland and Oyo State as a whole.

  • I have accepted recommendation of Olakulehin as Olubadan of Ibadanland – Makinde

    I have accepted recommendation of Olakulehin as Olubadan of Ibadanland – Makinde

    Gov. Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Saturday said that he had accepted the recommendation of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin by the Olubadan-In-Council as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

    Makinde said this on Saturday during the celebration of life organised by the state government for late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olalekan Balogun, who died on March 14 after a brief illness.

    The governor said that he had seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-In-Council and had accepted it.

    “I have accepted it and as soon as the Olubadan Designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is strong enough, he will be enthroned because due process has been followed,” Makinde said.

    The governor said that the late Olubadan lived a fulfilled life, saying that he and the late Olubadan did things many people thought would be impossible.

    “Myself and late Oba Balogun amended the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration which revolved the enthronement of Olubadan,” he said.

    Makinde said that the state House of Assembly on May 26, 2023, amended the Chieftaincy law of Oyo State and the governor no longer need to go to the Council of Chief for the declaration of Oba again.

    Speaking about Balogun, the Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai (rtd), described Balogun as a philanthropist and lover of the people.

    Buratai said that Balogun served Oyo State and Nigeria in general through various charitable efforts.

    Also speaking, the Olowu of Owukuta, Oba Adekunle Hammed, said late Olubadan promoted unity within Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

    Hammed said the reign of Balogun witnessed a lot of transformation and his contribution to the development of the state would never be forgotten.

    The event was attended by dignitaries within the state and Nigeria in general.

  • I’m ready to mount the throne of my forefathers — Oba Olakulehin declares

    I’m ready to mount the throne of my forefathers — Oba Olakulehin declares

    The Olubadan- designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has said he was ready to wear the crown as the 43rd Olubadan. Oba Olakulehin who spoke eloquently for the first time said this when Governor Seyi Makinde’s representatives paid him a courtesy visit at his Alalubosa residence in Ibadan.

     

    The visit which could be described as part of the process that would lead to the governor’s approval was made by the Oyo State Advisory Council led by Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN).

    The Olubadan-designate spoke to the admiration of all the people in attendance who expressed excitement when they heard the next Olubadan speaking in a coherent manner to put paid to various insinuations about his health status.
    Oba Olakulehin who reiterated that he was hale and hearty said he knew that he had the divine backing of God Almighty and that it was indeed his turn to mount the throne.

    Addressing the governor’s delegation, he said, “I am happy and excited seeing the delegation from our governor. When I was told that you were coming, I immediately informed my Chiefs to join me in receiving you. I am happy that my people are here with me. I am fully ready. I know God is behind me. He has said that I am the next Olubadan, and I know truly that it is my turn. By God’s grace, I will not disappoint you my people. All of us that have been together in the system for long shall celebrate the success together. I thank the governor for initiating this visit. We shall equally be expecting him as promised”.

    Also speaking on behalf of the kingmakers, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe noted that, “Ibadan had never been destroyed and it shall not be destroyed. We thank the Governor. He is a true-born of Ibadan and I pray that he will never be put to shame. It is now that I can sleep soundly. Everybody can now see that our Kabiyesi is hale and hearty”.

    Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Chief Ayorinde, had told the Olubadan designate that the governor’s representatives which included the first woman Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Segun Olayiwola, were sent by the governor to greet him noting that the governor also promised that he, too, would come to visit him when he returned from his trip outside the state.

    Other chiefs with Oba Olakulehin were Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi (Asipa Olubadan); Oba Eddy Oyewale (Osi Olubadan); Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe (Osi Balogun); and Oba Kola Adegbola (Asipa Balogun Olubadan).

  • Junior Pope: Producer Adanma Luke submits self to police after boat mishap

    Junior Pope: Producer Adanma Luke submits self to police after boat mishap

    Adanma Luke, the producer of the upcoming movie in which the late actor Junior Pope was supposed to be featured, has surrendered to the police.

    Pope, the actor, died on Wednesday after he fell into the River Niger in Asaba, Delta state on his way to a movie location.

    The film star was in the company of some other actors and crew members when the incident occurred.

    On Friday, Tochukwu Ikenga, the Anambra police spokesperson, told TheCable Lifestyle, that Luke was not arrested but submitted herself to the law enforcement agency.

    Ikenga added that the two boat drivers were also in custody amid an investigation into Pope’s death.

    “She was not arrested, she came by herself, and her statement was obtained. We also have in custody the two boat drivers and interrogation is still ongoing,” he said.

    “Early this morning, we have recovered the other three missing bodies. Further details shall be communicated please.”

    The Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) earlier suspended all movies involving riverine locations, following the death of Pope.

    Emeka Rollas, the president of the AGN, also warned filmmakers not to work with Luke “until further notice”.

    Tochukwu Okafor, the actor fondly called TC Virus who is a survivor of the boat accident, recently opened up about how he escaped the mishap that claimed the life of Pope.