By Adeyinka Adeniran
Arrangements have been concluded for the members of the Olubadan-in-Council to meet today, Monday.
The meeting is scheduled to take place at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
The meeting whose notice was sent to all Council members on Thursday, last week is called to declare vacant the stool of the Olubadan as well as deliberate on the nomination of a new monarch for the ancient city.
Going by the unique tradition of ascension to the stool of the ancient city, which is also expected to be followed, 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, to be made and seconded by a member of the Council will come up after a brief deliberation. The name of the nominee is expected to be 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.
As at the time of this report, it remains unclear if the next-in-line to the Olubadan stool, Oba Ladoja will be physically present at the meeting, although he is expected amongst other members of the Council.
The former governor has been outside the state before the demise of the late Oba Olakulehin.
Although, he was expected back in the state by last weekend, a source who spoke anonymously told The Nation that Oba Ladoja had been careful in returning to the capital city so that the joy of his nomination to the stool will not override the beauty of the burial ceremonies of the late Oba Olakulehin.
The Nation reports that, activities lined up for the burial starts on Monday with sporting activities while the final burial is slated for Friday, August 8th at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan.
Another source hinted that, although Oba Ladoja may not want to be accurately predicted, he will be comfortable talking about the stool and his ascension after the final burial of the late Oba Olakulehin.
When contacted, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola confirmed that the meeting will hold as planned at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.
The Nation reports that, it is the first time such meeting is taking place at the new Palace as nomination meetings held in time past had either held at the Oja’ba Palace or the Mapo hall.
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 Olakulehin.
He reiterated that, 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.
The Nation reports that, the Olubadan-in-Council meeting is coming, a week after the completion of the 21 days mourning period in honor of the late Oba Olakulehin who was 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.
