>
Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will officially relocate to the new ultramodern palace at Oke Aremo, in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State on Wednesday.
The monarch has continued to reside at his private residence in Alalubosa GRA after his coronation on July 12.
Recall that Governor Seyi Makinde had on July 10, 2024, commissioned the new palace, facilitated by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
The old palace, located at Oja’ba, in Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state, was last occupied by the 37th Olubadan, Oba Yesufu Asanike, who reigned between 1983 and 1993
Successive Olubadans after the late Oba Asanike had been ruling from their respective private residences.
According to reports, Oba Olakulehin chose to defer all official functions until the thanksgiving service, which was held on Sunday at St Peters Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.
“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 Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja,” The PUNCH quoted a source as saying.
Ladoja had in an interview on Sunday said he is ready to accept beaded crown after the intervention of the well-meaning people.
