By Oluseye Ojo
The Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, has declared that the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is currently unfit to assume the throne.
Speaking at a press conference held at his residence in Ibadan, Oba Ajibola expressed concern over the rush to install Oba Olakulehin without considering his physical well-being.
Ajibola, who is the second in command to the Olubadan-designate, criticised the hasty actions taken by individuals with selfish interests.
He highlighted the fact that Oba Olakulehin has not made any contact with the community or engaged with Ibadan people, including himself.
“They are just forcing him because of their own selfish interest.”
Referring to a peace meeting convened by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Ibadan Elders on Monday to broker peace among the Ibadan. kingmakers, which was held at the residence of Asiwaju of Ibadanland, Chief Bode Amao, in Ikolaba GRA, Ibadan, Oba Ajibola distanced himself from the gathering, dismissing it as illegitimate.
At the end of the peace meeting on Monday, the kingmakers had agreed that they would meet at Oja’ba Palace of Olubadan to officially nominate Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan. But two among the eight kingmakers – Oba Abimbola Ajibola, and Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, did not attend the meeting.
He emphasised that it was essential to allow Oba Olakulehin time to recover from his illness, reiterating the importance of following due process.
Ajibola further raised doubts about Oba Olakulehin’s current state, alleging that he had been packaged to deceive the public for personal gains last week Friday when he made his first public appearance after the demise the 42nd Olubadan on March 14, 2024.
“They said we called a meeting and we have endorsed him (Olakulehin). I’m not part of that. I’ve told them my mind that I won’t be part of that illegality. We know Baba Olakulehin is the next Olubadan, but let us allow him to get well.
“Has anybody seen him since last Friday? Those who went there after Friday were unable to see him. They are forcing this man. We should allow him to get well.”
He called on journalists to interview the Olubadan-designate and ascertain his condition. He argued that Olakulehin’s inability to recognise individuals has raised concerns about his ability to govern effectively.
“You journalists too should go and interview him (Olakulehin). You should remember during the time of the late Oba Balogun, he was in Mapo and debunked the rumour of saying he was blind and deaf. Olakulehin is being packaged. He cannot recognise anybody. Where has he spoken? Who did he speak to? Even those (Crowned Obas) who went there just sat down.
“They didn’t say anything. We know he is our leader and they told me before paying him visit last Friday but I told them Baba has not called me. I wish the best for Ibadan but let’s follow a due process. That’s what we are saying.” He insisted.
The Otun Balogun emphasised the need for patience and for Oba Olakulehin to achieve full physical fitness before assuming the throne.
He contended that there were no legal limitations preventing the nomination of a new Olubadan after the initial 21-day period.
Ajibola, however, advocated the involvement of the state governor, Seyi Makinde, to ensure appropriate medical vetting of the incoming monarch.
Expressing his frustration, Oba Ajibola declared that he would not attend any meetings concerning the Olubadan until Governor Makinde intervened.
His words: “I will never attend any meeting until the governor says something on this issue. The governor has the power to appoint physician, medical practitioner to check the health condition of our incoming monarch before they start anything. He must be in good condition, medically fit and sound. He must be able to move around and talk to the people.”
Oba Ajibola, who is a lawyer, asserted that the current situation regarding the Olubadan-designate remained unsettled.
“So, the update so far now is that we have not got Olubadan. They are just trying to wake him up. They are forcing this man. They know the man is not well. So, why are they forcing the man? I wish he can talk by himself. This is what I want from my people. Olubadan must be able to recognise his people. This is my people, he must be able to speak with his people,” he said.
Section 10(2) of the Oyo State Chiefs Law 1957, now Section 14(2) of the Chiefs Law (2000), states the criteria for an Olubadan-designate to scale the hurdle and being pronounced the Olubadan-elect:
“No person shall be qualified to be a candidate for a recognised chieftaincy title who suffers from serious physical infirmity, or has under any law in force in Nigeria been found or declared to be a lunatic or adjudged to be of unsound mind, or has, in any part of the Commonwealth been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty and sentenced to imprisonment therefore, and has not been granted a free pardon.”