Kingmakers Boycott Crucial Olubadan Selection Meeting

Eight out of eleven kingmakers boycotted a meeting convened by Chief Rashidi Ladoja
The meeting aimed to initiate the process of selecting the new Olubadan
Absence of kingmakers halts the nomination process for the next Olubadan

Eko Hot Blog reports that the process of nominating the new Olubadan, the traditional ruler of Ibadan, faced an unexpected roadblock when eight out of the eleven kingmakers boycotted a crucial meeting convened by the Head of the Ibadan Traditional Council, Chief Rashidi Ladoja.

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The meeting, held at Mapo Hall, was intended to initiate the procedures for selecting the next Olubadan, but only Chief Ladoja was present.

Explaining the absence of the other kingmakers, Ladoja stated, “The other members feel that the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has not spoken to them. They said they were not able to ascertain his health condition. They said that when he’s ready, he will talk to them, and we are going to have the meeting again. The Olubadan-designate is supposed to be here.”

The kingmakers who boycotted the meeting hold prestigious titles such as Balogun, Otun Balogun, Osi Balogun, Ashipa Balogun, Ekerin Balogun, Otun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, Ekerin Olubadan, and Iyalode, forming the Olubadan-in-Council.

When asked why he was the sole attendee, Ladoja responded, “A meeting was called for today, and I’m supposed to be the convener of the meeting. That’s why I’m here.”

Regarding the next steps, Ladoja remained optimistic, stating, “The next step is that when they are ready, they will come. I called them, and the reason they gave me is that the Olubadan-designate has not spoken to them.”