By Oluseye Ojo
In the bustling city of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, a new phase of history was made on Friday, July 12, 2024. The city, known for its vibrant culture and rich heritage, witnessed the installation of its first paramount ruler to occupy the throne of Olubadan from being a king and not a chief, which was considered a significant milestone in the annals of the metropolis.
The Mapo Hall Arcade, a central gathering place in Ibadan, was a hub of activity as people from all walks of life converged to witness the momentous occasion. The chief host, Governor Seyi Makinde, presided over the ceremony, marking the coronation of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, previously the Balogun of Ibadan, now takes on the mantle of his imperial majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland. The transition is a significant moment in the city’s history, as it ushers in a new era of leadership and symbolised the enduring traditions of the Ibadan people.
But yesterday, Oba Olakulehin first reported to the Labosinde Quarters, where some traditional rites were performed. From there, he moved to Ose Meji Quarters, where he was crowned as the Olubadan.
After the coronation, Oba Olakulehin moved to the Mapo Hall Arcade, where a large crowd had been awaiting his arrival. It was at this venue that Governor Makinde presented the staff of office and other instruments of office to the new king. The road to the historic event was not without its challenges. In 2022, the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, was set to break a record, but a precondition for his installation required all the beaded crown-wearing kings in Ibadan to relinquish their crowns. It was done to pave way for the 42nd Olubadan to ascend the throne of his forefathers. But Oba Lekan Balogun and the Olubadan-in-Council initiated another traditional process of reclaiming their surrendered crowns. When the process was concluded, they forwarded the name of the kings to the governor, who after careful review, approved the nomination presented before him by the 42nd Olubadan.
Governor Seyi Makinde approved the nomination, which culminated into the installation of the members of Olubadan-in-Council as beaded crown-wearing monarchs in July 2023. But for the second time, Ladoja did not accept the crown, saying the only crown he wanted on his head was that of Olubadan.
Meanwhile, in preparation for the installation of the 43rd Olubadan, the city witnessed the unveiling of a new state-of-the-art Olubadan Palace on Wednesday, July 10, 2024.
The landmark project, which had been in the works since 2011 during the era of the 40th Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, and the then President of Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero, was finally completed. Governor Makinde officially commissioned the new palace, a modern and befitting structure that will serve as the official residence and administrative centre of the Olubadan of Ibadan.
The need for a new palace was evident, as the previous Mapo Palace was considered inadequate and unsuitable for the ruler of a kingdom with over five million subjects, particularly due to its location within the bustling Oba’s market (Oja’ba).
The project was supported by various stakeholders, including former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, who turned the sod in April 2014 and made a generous donation towards the endeavour. Makinde said a process has been established to ensure the palace’s upkeep. He stated that all 11 local government councils in Ibadan would contribute to its maintenance on a monthly basis.
“For the second phase of the palace, we will also include renovating the Bower’s Tower, to boost tourism in our dear state,” he said.
The President-General of the CCII, Ajeniyi Ajewole, expressed gratitude for the completion of the palace, noting that it marks the end of the longstanding mockery from outsiders, who previously questioned the lack of a dedicated palace for the Olubadan.
The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, who represented Oba Olakulehin, on the occasion conveyed appreciation to the state government for its vital role in bringing the project to fruition.
Oba Olakulehin is the first Olubadan to use the new palace, which is at Oke-Are. In the vicinity of the new palace include the Ibadan House, Olubadan Palace Police Station, Agala Forest, as well as Bower’s Tower, which is a tourist attraction centre. The 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was produced by the Balogun Line, while the previous Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, was from the Otun Line. The two lines have been alternating in producing the Olubadan on a rotational basis, and the task of producing the next Olubadan will now fall to the Otun Line for the 44th Olubadan.