Ibadan Elevated Obas on Friday evening made a u-turn after seeing Owolabi Olakulehin, Olubadan-designate.
OYOINSIGHT.COM understands that there had been rancour over the absence of the monarch as well as his medical condition.
Hamidu Ajibade, who had been speaking for the high chiefs, had threatened that they won’t announce Olakulehin in absentia and without knowing his health status.
But Lateef Adebimpe, Osi Balogun, who spoke today after meeting the 89-year old Olubadan-in-waiting said they meant no harm when they insisted on seeing the monarch.
“It isn’t that we didn’t know that Baba has been absent from our meeting due to old age related sickness. But it’s been long we heard from him. That was why we insisted we must see him. We cannot install someone without seeing him.
“We are happy to see him hale and hearty. Our Baba is alive. We should be rejoicing as we have seen the Olubadan-in-waiting. Very soon, arrangement about the formal announcement will be done. We, the members of Olubadan-in-council have planned it. We are all happy with it. Ibadan will continue to witness many development,” Adebimpe who was joined by Abiodun Kola-Daisi, said.
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 within 21 days of the demise of the last monarch.
