The recent demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, has drawn expressions of sympathy from James Oramadike, the Eze Ndigbo of Ibadan and Yorubaland. He conveyed his condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the people of Ibadan, and the late monarch’s family.
Oba Olakulehin passed away last Monday at the age of 90, shortly before his first coronation anniversary. Oramadike described him as a “symbol of unity and strength,” whose leadership qualities will be missed.
He praised the rotational succession system between the Otun and Balogun Lines, which has now installed Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan. Oramadike called on other Nigerian kingdoms to develop similar succession protocols to avoid conflicts.
He also acknowledged Oba Ladoja’s role as a former governor in bridging gaps between Ibadan’s indigenous people and the Igbo community, promising that the Igbo will continue to support Ibadan’s development.