Oba Olakulehin crowned as 43rd Olubadan

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has finally been crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, and was presented with the staff of office by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday, July 12, 2024.

The venue was packed with residents who trooped out in their numbers to witness the ceremony.

A welcome address was delivered by the Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Olanike Adeyemo; while the citation of the Olubadan was read by Chief Toye Arulogun.

The newly crowned monarch had begun the coronation rites with a tour of the Oluwo Labosinde Compound at Oja’ba, where he performed traditional rites, before heading to the Ose Meji Shrine, where he was crowned as the new Olubadan of Ibadan land. He then moved to the iconic Mapo Hall where he was presented with the staff of office and instrument of office by Governor Seyi Makinde.

Prior to Friday’s coronation, the newly completed Olubadan palace and the official residence of the Olubadan, located at Oke-Aremo, was commissioned by Makinde on Wednesday.

Also, as part of events leading to the coronation, the Egungun-Amala-Fuji Festival was held at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, on Thursday, July 11, 2024.

After the governor presented the staff of office to the Olubadan at the main event, the monarch appreciated the president, governors and other dignitaries who felicitated him. He also prayed for the prosperity of the land and the people of Ibadan.

The crowning took place at the Labosinde compound, and was attended by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; a former Oyo State Governor and member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Rashidi Ladoja; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; the Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar; Deputy Governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi;; the Deputy Governor of Osun state representing the governor of Osun State, Kola Adewusi, and a former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, among others.

Others include the representative of President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu; Lagos State Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde; representative of the governor of Ondo State, the Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Olayide Adelami; Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Vice Chancellor of the First Technical University, Adesola Ajayi, and others.