Almost a year ago, specifically July 12, 2024, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, ascendend to one of the highest traditional titles in Yoruba land in a grand ceremony that took place at the historic Mapo Hall.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde handed Olakulehin the staff of office to be the new Olubadan and the event was witnessed by the crème-de-la-crème and the influential personalities in the country and beyond.

Dignitaries led by President Bola Tinubu, governors, ministers, eminent traditional rulers, captains of industries, and academics, among others, witnessed the coronation and the rest they say is history as the ancient town mourned the passing of their new king who had barely spent one year on the throne on Monday.

The late Olubadan of Ibadanland is the second Olubadan to rule from a befitting palace, after the famous Olubadan Yesufu Oloyede Asanike, who first lived in the old palace at Oja’ba. The ultramodern historic palace sitting magnificently on Oke-Aremo, inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday, is to be the new official residence and palace of subsequent Olubadans, starting with Oba Olakulehin.

Hitherto, the personal residence of the succeeding Olubadan had always served as the palace, upon ascension to the throne.

To ascend the throne of Olubadan, you have to be a member of the two high-ranking principal chieftaincy lines consisting of the Balogun and Otun.