Oyo Governor, Seyi Makinde on Saturday, said the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be installed as the next Olubadan as soon as he is strong enough.

Makinde said he had received the recommendation of Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan by the Olubadan-in-Council, noting that due process has been followed in the selection process.

The governor spoke at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Oke-Ado, Ibadan, the state capital during the final burial ceremony of the late Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, who died in March at 81.

Makinde said, “I have seen the recommendation of the Olubadan-in-Council and I have accepted it. I have accepted it and we will, as soon as our father, Oba Olakulehin is strong enough, he will be enthroned because due process has been followed.

“I want to once again thank you all. To the family, it is we all that lost Baba, but we take solace in the fact that Baba lived a fulfilled and eventful life.”

In April, the Olubadan-In-Council nominated Olakulehin as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland after the seat became vacant on March 14 following the death of Balogun, who reigned for two years.

However, following the nomination, the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abimbola Ajibola, said Olakulehin was not physically fit to assume the throne at the time.

But in response, Olakunlehin expressed his medical fitness and readiness to rule as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

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