From Damola Adeloye, Ibadan
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde has has promised that the state government would give the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Olakulehin, a befitting burial.
The governor made the promise when he received a delegation from the family of the late monarch, including former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, CCII, and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero; younger brother of the deceased Olubadan, Mr Osuolale Olakulehin, and a son of the deceased, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.
Addressing the delegation, Governor Makinde said the state would stand by the family at this period and also give the late Olubadan a befitting burial.
“We don’t always want them to go; we want them to stay with us. But God has designed our bodies for a certain period of time.
“I commiserate with the family and all of us. Government will definitely stay with the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial.
“I will ask all the members of the family to take heart. Coincidentally, today marks the 13th year since my father passed on. So, for the immediate family, I pray for strength,” he said.
Oba Olakulehin celebrated his 90th birthday on July 5 and ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland a year ago.
Meanwhile, following the shift in succession to Ibadan’s traditional leadership, Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja from Otun line is to mount the stool as the next Olubadan.
According to Ibadan’s rotational system, the stool alternates between two dynastic lines– the Balogun (military) and the Egbe Agba (civil).
With Oba Olakulehin hailing from the Balogun line, the next monarch must come from the Egbe Agba (civil) line.
Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, is the most senior candidate to succeed the late Olubadan.
80‑year‑old Ladoja had received the ceremonial beaded crown on August 12, 2024, formalising his place in the chieftaincy hierarchy.
