Olubadan relocates to modern palace Wednesday

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will officially relocate to the new ultramodern Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State on Wednesday, The PUNCH learnt on Monday.

After his coronation on July 12, the monarch continued to reside in his private residence at the Alalubosa Government Reserved Area of the town.

The PUNCH reports that the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, unveiled the new palace, facilitated by prominent Ibadan indigenes.

The old palace, located at Oja’ba in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state, was last occupied by the late Olubadan Yesufu Asanike, who reigned between 1983 and 1993.

Successive Olubadans after the late Oba Asanike had been ruling from their respective private residences.

The PUNCH gathered that Oba Olakulehin chose to defer all official functions until the thanksgiving service which was held on Sunday at the St Peters Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.

One of the palace sources told The PUNCH that, “Kabiyesi Olakulehin had since said he would not receive any visitor until he moves to the new palace. Not only that, he would not relocate until he had the thanksgiving service to praise God for his coronation. With that done on Sunday, the Olubadan will move to the ultramodern palace on Wednesday.”

Another source said, “Yes, it is true that our revered Oba Olakulehin will relocate to the new palace. It was resolved after the thanksgiving church service at Aremo that Kabiyesi should move to the new palace where he is expected to carry out the official functions, as enshrined in the 1957 Chieftaincy Law (as amended).

“This development necessitated the postponement of the maiden meeting of the Olubadan Advisory Council meeting earlier slated for yesterday (Monday) at the new palace.

“The meeting is expected to ratify the date for the presentation of the ceremonial beaded crown to the former governor of the state and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.”

The PUNCH reports that High Chief Ladoja had, in an interview with journalists in his Ondo Street private residence, said he agreed to accept the beaded crown after the intervention of the well-meaning people.