A few hours after a peace meeting initiated by Ibadan elders ended, the Otun Balogun of Ibadan, Tajudeen Ajibola, has declared that his immediate senior in the “military line” of the Olubadan system, Oba Abimbola Owolabi Olakulehin, is not fit to become monarch now.
Addressing a press conference in his Ibadan home, he saidthe Olubadan-designate should be given time to be healthy before he is pronounced.
The 80-year-old monarch said that the seat should remain vacant for now, noting that Olakulehin can’t be appointed currently because he is not medically fit and this is a major requirement for the office.
“Before Olubadan can be elected, certain conditions must be fulfilled.
It’s not just about being the most senior. You must not have been in prison for more than six months. You must be medically fit. You must not be blind and you must be able to recognise people and move around. Even if the kingmakers recommend you, the governor can reject it based on any of these conditions.
“Our contention is based on all these. Can he perform? If he can perform, then yes. Nobody is in rivalry with him. Health-wise, he’s not fit for now. He can’t recognise anyone. When he’s well, we will enthrone him.
“He is being forced. They know he is not well. I wish he could talk by himself and say this is what I want. The rule says he must be able to recognize and speak to his people.
“He needs to recover. It’s obvious he’s not well enough. He won’t be enthroned in the room. He needs to go to Mapo and all of that. Some people are not thinking of Ibadan’s interest. They are only thinking of their own interest,” he added.