The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, could face removal from office if the 2023 Olubadan chieftaincy declaration is implemented, DAILY POST has learned.
Olakulehin was crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland on July 12, 2024, in a ceremony attended by prominent figures such as the Sultan of Sokoto, Ooni of Ife, and several state governors.
However, the newly amended Olubadan chieftaincy declaration of 2023, which was distributed during the coronation, appears to be at odds with the 1957 declaration in several key aspects.
The 1957 declaration stipulated that the most senior chief in the line whose turn it is to fill the Olubadan vacancy should be nominated as the candidate. The new 2023 law, however, recognizes beaded crown Obas instead of High Chiefs and requires the most senior beaded crown Oba in the line to be nominated as the candidate.
Olakulehin was nominated at a meeting presided over by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, who is a High Chief and not a beaded crown Oba. This appears to be in violation of the 2023 chieftaincy declaration.
The new law also states that the kingmakers' majority decision on the candidate shall be final. However, Ladoja, who is the only High Chief in Ibadan that has refused to wear the beaded crown, presided over the meeting where Olakulehin was nominated.
This discrepancy between the 2023 chieftaincy declaration and the process that led to Olakulehin's selection could potentially put the new Olubadan's position at risk if the new law is to be fully implemented.
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