By Adeyinka Adeniran
The Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has said it is his turn to ascend the throne of his forefathers and rule the ancient city of Ibadan as the 43rd Olubadan.
The monarch who said he is fully ready and fit noted that God has said it that he is the next Olubadan, with an assurance that God is backing him up in the task ahead.
Oba Olakulehin who spoke openly for the first time since his public appearance and designation as Olubadan, made the assertions while playing host to a delegation from the Oyo state government to his Alalubosa residence in Ibadan.
The visit which could be described as part of the process that will 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 speak in a coherent manner to put paid to various insinuations about his health status.
Oba Olakulehin said, “I am happy and excited seeing you delegation from our governor. Since I was told that you are coming, I have told 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.”
Speaking earlier on behalf of the kingmakers, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe noted, “Ibadan has never been destroyed and it shall not. 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, Ayorinde, had told the Olubadan designate that the governor’s representatives which included the first female Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu, the Oyo State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Segun Olayiwola, that they were sent by the governor to greet him noting the governor also promised that he, too, would also come to visit him when he is back 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).
