Ibadan has begun a 21-day mourning period to honour the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away early Monday morning after a long illness.
The mourning period, which started on Tuesday, follows the long-standing tradition of the ancient city after the death of a reigning monarch.
Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, died at a private hospital in Ibadan, leading to a wave of tributes and traditional rites throughout the city.
In line with tradition, the Olubadan-in-Council will begin the process of choosing a new Olubadan once the mourning period ends.
Based on the traditional succession structure, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, is next in line for the throne.
His nomination is expected to be proposed by the Balogun Olubadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, and supported by the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole. The formal meeting to carry out this process will be held at the new Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, within Ibadan North Local Government Area.
The formalisation meeting is scheduled to hold at the new Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, situated in the Ibadan North Local Government Area.
Though Oba Ladoja was said to be out of town when news of Oba Olakulehin’s passing emerged, he is expected to return to the city in the coming days to begin the traditional rites ahead of his possible installation.
