By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Alalubosa residence of the Olubadan Designate HRM Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin has been a beehive of activities with individuals and groups paying homage to the recently nominated 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Amongst the individuals who have recently visited the Olubadan Designate include Chief Bode Amao and Chief Bayo Oyero – Former Presidents of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Alhaji Laditi Ladapo – Fmr. Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Former acting Vice-Chancellor of the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, Prof. Adekunle Adeniran and Venerable Olatunde Alamu.
Several groups have also recently visited the monarch including members of the Ibadan King makers led by Oba Adebimpe, Iyalode line of the Ibadan Traditional Council led by Chief (Mrs) Amudalat Adekunle – Otun Iyalode. Leading top Anglican Clerics to the Oba was Rt. Rev. Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa and Mogajis of Ibadan families with Aare Egbe Mogaji – Asimiyu Ariori as head.
On Monday, The Royal Highnesses made up of Obas under the Royal Majesties in the Ibadan Obaship structure were at the monarch’s palace to pay their respects. Leading the 14 Royal Highnesses was the Oniroko Of Iroko, HRH Oba Olasunkanmi Opeola, who expressed delight and satisfaction at the condition in which they met Oba Olakulehin and prayed for his long and successful tenure as the Olubadan.
In his words, “The Royal Highnesses are here today to pay obeisance to Kaabiyesi as he prepares to ascend the throne of his forefathers. Oba Olakulehin has been good to us and was very instrumental to our installation as Royal Highnesses. It will therefore be unforgivable if we don’t come to pay homage and respects to our benefactor. Our prayer is for God’s guidance, protection, peaceful and long reign as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland”
On Tuesday, the Association of Traditional Baales also took their turn to pay homage to the Oba. The Traditional Baales who are the Ibadan less City Heads led by Baale Folorunso Ige – Baale of Olohunde Ige in Oluyole Local Government conveyed their warm and best wishes to the monarch saying they looked forward to the colourful and peaceful coronation of Oba Olakulehin that will usher in a tenure of greater growth and development in Ibadanland.
All these visits are coming in the wake of the preparations to the coronation ceremony of Oba Olakulehin following his nomination as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan and the much anticipated announcement by the Oyo State Governor.
