Olubadan-in-Council Meets Today To Declare Stool Vacant, Begin Process For 44th Olubadan

By Adesina Quadri Ademola

Members of the Olubadan-in-Council will today, Monday, convene at the expansive Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo to formally declare the Olubadan stool vacant and commence the process of nominating the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The availability of High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the former Oyo State governor and next in line to the throne, remains uncertain. He was reportedly absent when Oba Owolabi Olakulehin passed away and has yet to return to Ibadan despite the conclusion of the 21-day mourning period held in honour of the late monarch.

According to palace sources, the notice for today’s meeting was issued last Thursday to all members of the Olubadan-in-Council, the apex decision-making body of the Ibadan traditional institution.

In line with the city’s unique succession tradition, Chief Ladoja is expected to be formally nominated and seconded by members of the Council as the 44th Olubadan. Upon conclusion of the process, his nomination will be transmitted to the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for ratification.

Since the demise of Oba Olakulehin, Oba Amidu Ajibade, the Ashipa Olubadan, has been receiving visitors to the palace on behalf of Chief Ladoja.

Notably, today’s session marks the first time in history that the nomination of a new Olubadan will take place at the Oke-Aremo Palace. Traditionally, such meetings were held either at Mapo Hall or Oja’ba Palace.