The Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, worshiped at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church, Aremo, in the Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the state, on Sunday, along with other congregants.
This was the first time he attended a church service after being chosen as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 14, 2024.
Amid excitement from the congregants, the 89-year-old monarch made his second public appearance after his nomination as he walked into the Sunday service.
He was accompanied by members of his immediate family, friends, and associates.
After being officially nominated on April 16 at a meeting of the Olubadan-in Council in Ibadan, Olakulehin’s name has been submitted to the state government for potential confirmation as the next Olubdan.
Before his nomination, there were discussions about the health of the elderly monarch, with the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, arguing that Olakulehin was not physically fit to take on the revered ancient stool.
However, this was countered by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, who maintained that Oba Olakulehin was indeed fit to reign.
When Oba Ajibola did not attend the April 16 meeting of the Olubadan-in Council, the Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, was selected to take his place and nominate Oba Olakulehin for the Olubadan stool.
Confirming the receipt of the nomination, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Segun Olayiwola, stated that Olakulehin’s name had been transmitted to and received by the state government. The PUNCH Olayiwola, speaking over the phone, said, “We have received the letter. We are working on it.”
In order to show his fitness for the throne, Oba Olakulehin was present in the church on Sunday, which was admired by other congregants.
When contacted, the eldest son of the Olubadan-designate, Prince Sumbo Owolabi, mentioned, “Baba attended the service at St Peter’s Cathedral Church, Aremo, Ibadan.”
A church member, who preferred to remain anonymous, said, “It was a regular church service, but the significance is that Baba is improving and making public appearances.
“We were all delighted as he entered. People were exclaiming Kabiyesi o! Some were expressing gratitude to the Lord, because everyone was happy to see him worshiping with us once again.”
The Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, worshiped at St. Peter’s Cathedral Church, Aremo, in the Ibadan North East Local Government Area of the state, on Sunday, along with other congregants. This was the first time he attended a church service after he was nominated as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland following the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun on March […]
