Olubadan stool: At 89, Olakulehin coronated as 43rd Ibadan monarch

The 43rd traditional ruler of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, has officially taken the revered title of Olubadan.

On Friday, Olakulehin was formally crowned Olubadan at the Labosinde compound, the family’s traditional seat entrusted with the sacred duty of crowning Ibadan rulers.

Following his coronation, the new monarch proceeded to Ile Osemeji, a sacred site in the Oja Oba area of the ancient city of Ibadan.

People revere the area as the site of the revelation of the ancient prophecy about Ibadan’s destiny.

Olubadan is expected to proceed from Ile Osemeji to the Mapo Hall entrance, where he will formally receive the symbols of his authority, including the office staff, from Gov. Seyi Makinde.

The Olubadan was born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja Village, located near Akanran in the present-day Ona Ara Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.

In paying tribute to the newly crowned Olubadan, the Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abass, has announced that markets in Ibadanland will be closed today, July 12, between 7 a.m. and 2 p.m..