Olubadan: Countdown to coronation, Olakulehin’s family unveils ‘aso-ebi

Olubadan: Countdown to coronation, Olakulehin’s family unveils ‘aso-ebi

The long wait to crown the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is taking a toll on activities to mark the coronation. ‘LAOLU AFOLABI, in this report, revealed that more than three months after the death of Oba Lekan Balogun, the people of Ibadan remain in a state of anticipation, looking to Governor Seyi Makinde to announce the coronation of their monarch

In anticipation of the coronation of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, as substantive Olubadan, his family has started the sale of ceremony fabric, commonly called aso ebi, in Yoruba land.

1983.

Would an Olubadan be younger on the ascension of the throne? History is replete with old men, save for Oba Kobiowu, who became the Olubadan in his 50s and eventually died six months on the throne. Despite their old age, many Olubadans in history also lived long and spent more years on the throne.

Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele of Alafara fame reigned between 1955 and 1964, a nine-year successful reign. The popular Olubadan Asanike reigned for 10 years, having ascended the throne on February 4, 1983 and died on December 24, 1993. His successor and 38th Olubadan, Oba Adeyemo, ascended the throne at the age of 89 in 1994. He spent five years as a king.

The late Oba Yinusa Ogundipe Arapasowu, the 39th Olubadan, had some health challenges which threatened to stop his coronation. But reasons of tradition, culture and morality prevailed and he was eventually crowned and went on to spend eight years on the throne.

Oba Lana became the Olubadan at the ripe age of 91, had his 100th birthday celebrated at the St. Peters Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan and eventually died at 101 years, having spent nine years on the throne.

Oba Saliu Adetunji became Olubadan at the age of 87. After a tedious walk to Mapo Hall, after he was crowned, he nearly fainted due to suffocation. He went on thereafter to reign for six years and eventually died at the age of 93.

Oba Olakulehin will make history as another older Olubadan to ascend the throne when he is eventually crowned. His records show he is 89 years old. He became the Mogaji of the family in 1983 during the reign of Olubadan Asanike. He began his Olubadan journey as Jagun Balogun in 1986. It was a journey of 38 years before fate pushed him to the zenith of the ladder.