The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja has faulted position of the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola over health status of the Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
He said Ajibola only gave his personal opinion on the health status of Olakulehin because he is not a doctor.
Recall that the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola yesterday said the Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who is also his immediate senior in the military line of the Olubadan system is not fit to become monarch now.
Ajibola added that the Olubadan-designate be given time to be healthy before he is pronounced and that the seat should remain vacant for now.
But Ladoja while speaking with newsmen on Wednesday at his Bodija, Ibadan residence stated that Olakulehin is an elderly person and not expect to act like a youth.
“Ajibola is not 20 years old man, he is not 30 years old or 40 years old man, he is above 80 years, so, we cant expect him to act like a youth.”
Speaking on wether Ajibola, who is to nominate Olakulehin as Olubadan at the Olubadan-in-council meeting on Friday can be substituted in case he didn’t attend the meeting, Ladoja said Ajibola if failed to attend the Friday meeting can be substituted with another High Chief next to him.
“Ajibola can be substituted to nominate Olubadan if he didn’t come to the meeting, I’ve already slated a meeting for Friday because tomorrow is a public holiday, if he didn’t come, he can be substituted.”
The stool of Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant following the death of the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun who died at University’ College Hospital (UCH) at the age of 81.
The Olubadan designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin last week Friday returned to his Alalubosa Ibadan, residence, a development which laid off fear on his absence among the Olubadan-in-council, Ibadan and it’s environs.
The next Olubadan, according to traditional arrangement in Ibadanland is the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Going by Ibadan chieftaincy arrangement, for Olakulehin to become Olubadan, he must be nominated by the next person to him in his line, Otun Balogun Tajudeen Ajibola, at a meeting convened by the most senior chief in the other line, (Ladoja) within 21 days of the demise of the monarch.
