By Adeyinka Adeniran
Barring last minute change, members of the Olubadan-in-Council have concluded plans to convey a meeting, slated for Monday, April 4th.
The meeting according to a source is called to deliberate on the appointment of a new monarch for the ancient city.
If the unique tradition of ascension to the stool of the ancient city is not altered, a former Governor of the state and next-in-line to the Olubadan stool, Oba Rasidi Ladoja will be nominated and announced as the next occupier of the stool.
The nomination is expected to the forwarded to the government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
Ladoja will be the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, upon his confirmation by Governor Seyi Makinde.
The meeting, it was gathered is scheduled to take place at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
The next-in-line to the Olubadan stool, Oba Ladoja is expected in attendance amongst other members of the Council.
Although, the former governor is currently outside the state before the demise of the late Oba Olakulehin, he is expected back in the state, by the weekend.
Confirming the development, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola in an invitation to the meeting which was sighted by The Nation, said the meeting will take place at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
It is the first time such meeting is taking place at the new Palace. Such meetings held in time past had either held at the Oja’ba Palace or the Mapo hall.
When contacted by Corenews, Oba Ajibola said the meeting of the members of the Council was called to deliberate on the vacancy created by the demise of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
He said, although the Olubadan-next-in-line, Oba Ladoja is expected at the meeting, as a member of the Council, his absence will not affect the proceedings and business of the day.
He said, “The meeting is that of the members of the Olubadan-in-Council. It will take place at the Olubadan palace at Oke Aremo.
“We called the meeting to nominate a new Olubadan to occupy the vacant stool.
“It does not matter if the next-in-line is not present, it won’t stop us from nominating the new Olubadan.
“It is for us to nominate a new Olubadan and that will be the main focus of the meeting. We are meeting to deliberate and take a decision on the vacant stool.”
Corenews reports that, the meeting is coming, barely a week after the completion of the 21 days mourning period in honor of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin who was crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He passed away on July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne. The monarch succeeded Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who was the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The final burial of the late Oba Olakulehin is already scheduled for August 8th, at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan.
