The Osi Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Lateef Adebimpe, affirmed on Friday that all arrangements are in place for the forthcoming coronation of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Speaking to journalists after a visit by members of the Olubadan-In-Council to the future Olubadan’s residence at No 1, Cassia Street, Alalubosa Government Reserved Area in the Ibadan South West Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Adebimpe made the announcement.

This marked Oba Olakulehin’s first public appearance since the passing of the late 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who reigned for two years and passed away at the age of 81.

Present at the meeting were esteemed members of the council, including the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Eddy Oyewole; the Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi; and Asipa Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola.

Oba Adebimpe reassured the public of Oba Olakulehin’s good health, stating, “The Olubadan-In-Council would not have nominated Olakulehin as the Olubadan unless we were certain of his well-being.”

Reflecting on the forthcoming coronation, he added, “We have been diligently preparing for Olakulehin’s ascension to the throne of his forefathers, and we are grateful that he is in good health. Soon, he will take his rightful place as the Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

According to the traditional chieftaincy protocol in Ibadan, for Olakulehin to assume the title of Olubadan, he must be nominated by the next person in his line, Otun Balogun Tajudeen Ajibola, at a meeting convened by the most senior chief in the other line within 21 days of the previous monarch’s passing.

Meanwhile, preparations for the coronation are underway, with the family of the future paramount ruler already distributing ceremonial attire. During the visit to his private residence, clothes were distributed to family members and interested individuals from the public.