Rifts between the Otun Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola and the Olubadan designate, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin was finally resolved on Thursday as the duo embrace each other when members of Olubadan-In-Council (Royal Majesties) and other Ibadan Obas (Royal Highnesses) led by Oba Ajibola paid homage to Oba Olakulehin.
About three months ago, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola said Olubadan designate, Olakulehin was not fit to become the Olubadan due to his health status.
He said Olakulehin should be giving enough time to take care of his health before official coronation as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Speaking at the Alalubosa residence of Oba Olakulehin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola Ajibola, a lawyer and notable administrator said everything that happened then was at the advantage of the Olubadan designate.
Oba Ajibola described Olakulehin as his close associate who always talked with each other before the rancor.
He, however, stated that all he was after was the progress and developement of Ibadanland, saying he has nothing against Olakulehin as a person.
Hi words: “We all know who is the next Olubadan, there is no rancour in Ibadan Chieftancy title, all we are saying then was that we want to see the Olubadan-designate face to face, we can’t coronate a faceless Oba.
“We are happy now that he has shown his face and we can all see that he is hale and healty.
“Ibadan Chieftancy title is very clear, all that happened was for the benefit of Baba, he is my close associate and we always talk together most of the time.”
In his brief remark on behalf of the Royal Highnesses, the Oniroko of Irokoland, Oba Olasunkanmi Abioye Opeola, described Olakulehin as a good king who always have interest of Ibadanland at heart.
According to him, Ibadanland will witness tremendous peace, progress and unprecedented developement during the reign of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
He thereafter pleaded with Oba Olakulehin to permit all Royal Highness to be having monthly meeting with him so as to update him on happenings in their respective domains.
Responding on behalf of Oba Olakulehin, Prince Olasumbo Owolabi Olakulehin said the monarch assured that Ibadan will continue to progress and witness unprecedented developement during the reign of Olakulehin as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.