The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu has disagreed with the view of Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola on the medical fitness of the Olubadan designate Oba Owolabi Olakulehin to ascend the throne for now.
Ajibola had told newsmen on Tuesday in Ibadan that Oba Olakulehin is not medically fit for now to be enthroned, adding there is no need of announcing him (Olakuleyin) until he’s medically fit.
Meanwhile, in an interview with journalist at his Bodija residence on Wednesday, Ladoja said Ajibola is not competent to speak on medical fitness or otherwise of the Olubadan designate.
According to Ladoja, “Otun Balogun is not in the best position to determine his medical fitness. He is not a medical doctor. It is an opinion. You can add your own as well.
The former governor of Oyo state also alluded to a viral video presently circulating, where Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe addressed journalists in Olakuleyin’s house, confirming that the latter was hale and hearty after seeing him
“If one says that he is not well and the other one says that he is well. You can see that everybody has given his opinion.
“However none of them is a doctor. The man we are talking about is not 50 years, not 60 years. He is over 80 years old. You don’t expect him to run as fast as an 80-year-old man.
Ladoja however added that the meeting of Olubadan in council, earlier scheduled to hold on Thursday ((today) has been shifted to Friday, due to the Eid-fitri public holiday.
“The matter will be resolved at tomorrow’s meeting which is expected to have in attendance all the kingmakers including Oba Ajibola.
When asked, what will happen if Otun Olubadan who is expected to nominate the next monarch does not show up at the meeting, Ladoja said, someone can take up his responsibility.
According to tradition, Otun Olubadan who is next in command to Olakuleyin on the warrior line, is expected to nominate the next monarch.
The former governor explained that “the 1957 Declaration makes provision for substitution. He can be substituted. If he is sick anybody can be sick. If he doesn’t come to the meeting that he has been invited to attend. There is even a provision for multiple nominations in the Declaration
