The nomination process for the new Olubadan hit an impasse as eight kingmakers abstained from the meeting summoned by Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the head of the Ibadan Traditional Council and Otun Olubadan.
The gathering, intended to initiate the selection of the next Olubadan, was held at Mapo Hall but saw only Chief Ladoja in attendance, with the majority of the council’s members absent.
The council, comprising eleven members including the Iyalode, experienced a notable absence of key figures such as Balogun, Otun Balogun, and others. Attempts to reach Oba Amidu Ajibade, Ekerin Olubadan, for comments on the boycott were unsuccessful.
The absence of the kingmakers is believed to be linked to past tensions involving Chief Ladoja and the council members during the contentious beaded crown issue under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Despite Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval of the crowning and elevation, Ladoja had distanced himself from the ceremony, leading to a divide within the council.
Addressing the media, Ladoja remarked that the other members are awaiting communication from the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, regarding his health status before proceeding.
Ladoja said: “The other members feel that the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has not spoken to them.
“They said they were not able to ascertain his health condition. They said that when he’s ready, he will talk to them and we are going to have the meeting again. The Olubadan-designate is supposed to be here.”
Ladoja, as the meeting’s convener, expressed readiness to reconvene once the other members are prepared to engage with the Olubadan-designate.
