Olubadan’s Death Forces Cancellation Of Chieftaincy Titles, Leaves Title Seekers In Limbo
- As Aso Ebi, Cows, Food, Publicity Wasted
The sudden death of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has thrown the ancient city into mourning and forced the abrupt cancellation of elaborate chieftaincy conferment ceremonies, leaving many prominent Nigerians who had anticipated the honours in deep uncertainty.
Oba Olakulehin, who ascended the throne in 2023, passed on Monday at a private hospital in Ibadan after a prolonged illness, just days before the celebration of his first coronation anniversary.
His demise has not only disrupted key events lined up for the milestone but also dashed the hopes of several intending title holders, including top politicians and entertainers, who had heavily invested in the forthcoming palace ceremonies.
According to palace sources, preparations for the high-profile conferment of traditional titles were already in full swing.
The would-be recipients, some of whom were said to be politically exposed individuals, had paid handsomely for media publicity on radio, television, and in newspapers, while also making extensive arrangements for hospitality, food, aso ebi, and ceremonial appearances.
“Some of them had even delivered cows, paid caterers, and secured tailors for their guests’ attires.
“They were eagerly looking forward to the ceremony, but the king’s passing has brought everything to an abrupt end,” a palace insider told Saturday Tribune.
It was gathered that one of the honourees is a serving federal lawmaker from the South-West, while another is a popular Ibadan-based gospel musician.
Both had mobilised friends, supporters, and associates to attend the event, only for the news of the monarch’s passing to bring their plans to an unexpected halt.
The Olubadan’s death also forced the cancellation of several activities earlier scheduled to commemorate his first year on the throne.
These included a press conference, a football tournament tagged Olubadan Cup, and the public launch of a commemorative book.
Journalists who arrived at the Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo on Monday morning for the briefing were turned away as mourning rituals commenced.
The football tournament, which had kicked off two days prior, has now been suspended indefinitely.
Observers say the scramble for chieftaincy titles in Ibadan, particularly among politicians, is tied to the cultural significance of the city within the Yoruba polity.
“Ibadan is widely regarded as the political capital of Yorubaland. Holding a traditional title here is not just ceremonial—it is symbolic and often seen as an endorsement for political ambition,” said a former palace aide.
While the financial commitments made by the title seekers remain unrecouped, there are murmurs about possible refunds. A senior palace figure recalled a similar situation under a previous Olubadan, where payments were reimbursed following a cancelled chieftaincy installation.
“It all depends on the decision of the next Olubadan,” the source said.
As things stand, the city’s focus now shifts to the royal succession. According to the traditional hierarchy, the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, is next in line to ascend the throne.
However, reports suggest the former Oyo State governor is currently receiving treatment abroad for an undisclosed ailment.
Insiders, however, express optimism that he will return to Ibadan within days.
Once the traditional two-week mourning period elapses, palace drummers are expected to begin performance rituals at Ladoja’s Bodija residence, a cultural signal heralding his ascension.
The Olubadan Advisory Council will then formally notify the Otun Olubadan of Oba Olakulehin’s demise, after which the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, will move the motion for Ladoja’s nomination as the 44th Olubadan, to be seconded by the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
