Olubadan: Preparation Commences For Coronation Of Oba Olakulehin As Family Unveils “Aso-Ebi”
Preparations have commenced for the coronation ceremony of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
OSUN DEFENDER recalls that the stool of the Olubadan of Ibadanland became vacant on March 14, 2024, following the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun.
But more than three months after the death of Oba Balogun, the people of Ibadan remain in a state of anticipation, looking up to Governor Seyi Makinde to announce the coronation of their monarch.
In anticipation of the coronation of Oba Olakulehin as substantive Olubadan, his family has started the sale of ceremony fabric, commonly called aso ebi, in Yoruba land.
The Ankara fabric with blue and black colour alongside a stripped yellow ofi fabric for cap and headgear is conspicuously on display at Olakulehin’s residence in Alalubosa Estate, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
During a visit on Tuesday, the materials were on display for sale at a spacious apartment sectioned off in the spacious compound.
READ: Oyo Govt Hints On Installation Of Olubadan Designate, Oba Olakulehin
The sale of the fabric was in high demand in the first few weeks after the burial of the last occupant of the Olubadan throne, Oba Lekan Balogun, who died on March 14, 2024.
The enthusiasm was, however, not the same again as seen during the visit to the compound on Tuesday.
Walking up to the canopy set up to shield the vendors from the sun, along with chairs and tables to facilitate comfortable transactions, the woman managing the sales gave the price of the Ankara fabric as N1,000 per yard, the men’s matching cap for N2,000 and the headgear for women were priced at N5,000.
At the family compound at Ita Baale, Olugbode, it was gathered that the weekly meeting held on Sunday had become more participatory, with family members in large attendance, anticipating the coronation of the family head as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
A family source, who preferred anonymity because he was not authorised to speak, said, “We are eagerly waiting. Baba is in high spirits. We believe God’s will shall be done. The delay by those in authority shall not be the denial for Oba Olakulehin.”
When asked if he had bought the aso ebi for the occasion, the source said, “Every member of the Okugbaja family, the larger clan of the Olakulehin family in Ita Baale and all our neighbours, is anticipating and has bought the Ankara fabric and the cap to match. We will celebrate the coronation by God’s grace.
“You remember Oba Olakulehin said he knew he would become Olubadan. He will certainly be, by God’s grace.”
Hafsoh Isiaq is a graduate of Linguistics. An avid writer committed to creative, high-quality research and news reportage. She has considerable experience in writing and reporting across a variety of platforms including print and online.
