The Okugbaja family, poised to usher in the next Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is engulfed in jubilation, marking a historic moment as they prepare to ascend the Olubadan throne for the first time in the institution’s 204-year legacy.
This impending enthronement marks a significant milestone, occurring 160 years following the reign of Baale Oyesile Olugbode, the lone Olubadan from the larger Ita Baale family, who joined his ancestors in 1864 after a 13-year reign.
Adding to the family’s prestige, Olakulehin’s lineage also boasts Chief Moshood Okugbaja, the current head of Egunguns in Ibadan, further solidifying their esteemed position within the community.
As the head of the military line in the Olubadan chieftaincy system, Olakulehin’s forthcoming ascension will be marked by ceremonial rituals, with palace drummers set to herald the occasion by relocating to his residence following the 8th-day fidau scheduled for Friday at Mapo Hall.
In Ibadan’s tradition, each family holds the opportunity to produce an Olubadan in rotation, overseen by a designated Mogaji. To ascend the ladder of the Olubadan lineage, a Mogaji must be promoted to Jagun in either the civil or military line, thereafter advancing based on vacancies created by the demise of those above them in the hierarchy.
With the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, hailing from the civil line, the mantle of leadership now passes to the head of the military line, exemplifying the intricate succession process entrenched in Ibadan’s cultural heritage.
Such ascension to the apex of the Olubadan lineage is no swift feat, requiring an average of 40 years of dedicated service and progression within the chieftaincy system, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and reverence for lineage within Ibadan’s esteemed monarchy.
