News
OLUBADAN: Olakulehin’s Absence Fuels Fears • Law Empowers Governor To Pick From Ekerin Upward — Ajibade
The Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade, on Tuesday, raised concern about the absence of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at a Monday meeting of the Council of Obas to deliberate on the enthronement process of Oba Olakulehin as the new Olubadan.
The ancient and revered Olubadan stool became vacant on March 14, 2023, following the death of Oba Lekan Balogun.
Balogun died aged 81 about two years after ascending the throne.
The Council of Obas would meet on Tuesday to formally nominate Oba Olakulehin to Governor Seyi Makinde as the Olubadan.
But speaking with newmen Ekerin Olubadan said a meeting was held on Monday but the Olubadan-designate was absent, adding that Oba Olakulehin had not been seen in public since the demise of the late Olubadan, raising concern about the state of Olubadan-designate’s health.
It was also gathered that there was a rancour between the Council of Chiefs and the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja.
Speaking on the development on Tuesday, the Ekerin Olubadan said, “We all the crowned kings of Ibadanland held a meeting yesterday (Monday) at Olubadan Palace, Oja’ba in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state except Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin.
“Oba Eddy Oyewole, followed by the Otun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; Osi Balogun, Oba Lateef Adebimpe; Ashipa Olubadan, Oba Biodun Kola-Daisi; Ashipa Balogun, Oba Kola Adegbola; Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba John Dada, Ekarun Olubadan, Oba Muritala Akande and Ekarun Balogun, Oba Abiodun Azeez.
“Baba Eddy is the one leading us now. All of us are royal majesties. That’s about nine of us. By the power of the state Governor, Seyi Makinde, we are the kings that the late Olubadan gave beaded crowns. The only person who was not at the meeting was Oba Olakulehin and the High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the former Governor of the state. He is Otun Olubadan, a Chief and not an Oba.”
The Ekerin Olubadan said not much could be achieved at the Monday meeting with the absence of Oba Olakulehin, who is the Olubadan-designate.
“When we meet, we should know what to do and the next step of action. We visited his (Olakulehin’s) house a day after the late Oba Balogun joined his ancestors and Baba (Olakulehin) was not at home. We met with his son, former Commissioner, Sunday Owolabi, and he told us Baba was not around.
So, we told him that anytime Baba was around, he should let us know, so as to come back and pay homage to him as our next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Nobody can decide for us. We will decide for ourselves. One person cannot speak for us. We have already convened our meeting yesterday (Monday). We Obas have already concluded everything yesterday (Monday). What are we waiting for? We can only be waiting for our new Oba. We are the ones to decide. Our Governor, Makinde, will give us the final decision. He will be the one to decide. He can do and undo.”
The Ekerin Olubadan, however, insinuated that the Olubadan-designate might not be well.
“The governor will do everything; but if anybody is not well, even if you are not well, we will make sure that anybody that becomes Oba is well. A tree cannot make a forest. We didn’t become kings without the knowledge of the governor. There is the law on lineage for us in Ibadan. We have never seen our incoming Olubadan. So, right from Baba, the governor can pick from anywhere; the governor can pick from Ekerin Balogun, Ekerin Olubadan.
“If someone is not well or capable of staying on that throne, do you just want us to put that person there like a vegetable? Is it possible? What we want is whoever wants to become our Oba must be able to walk and speak, so that you will be able to communicate with him.
“So, there is a law in our lineage that says if number one is not fit; the number two is not; the number three is not, the governor has the power to pick right from Ekerin. So, how should it be one, two, three and four? God forbid! So, he will see and check very well that that person can perform.”
When asked if he was aware of any other meeting on Tuesday at the same Olubadan Palace, Oja’ba, the Ekerin Olubadan said, “I am not aware of any scheduled meeting. We the Obas met yesterday (Monday) and it was concluded that we would continue to wait till we see the new Oba.”
Entertainment
NIBAD 2026: Abike Dabiri To Take Centre Stage As Bunmi Ebony, DJ X-One Host Baltimore Event
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Dr Abike Dabiri-Erewa ( OON) has been scheduled for honour, among other awardees, at the 2026 and the 6th edition of the annual Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD),billed to hold in Baltimore, Maryland, on the 18th of October .
At the instance of Naija Times USA and Raindrop Group led by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, activities marking the 6th edition of NIBAD commenced on the 3rd of October with Independence carnival in Maryland.
As part of the expanded 6th edition, the Annual Independence stage play titled ‘Your Excellency Sir!’ …The saga of a nation, written and directed by Olaniyi Thompson Tabi, was showcased at a very colorful event on the 9th of October.
Designed to be an unforgettable celebration of Nigeria’s 66th Independence celebration, the grand finale of the celebration is billed for Sunday, the 18th of October, 4.00pm, at Gabriel Community Centre, 6948, Dogwood Road, Windsor Mill, MD 21244.
The evening will not only commemorate Nigeria’s rich history and vibrant culture but will also spotlight the exceptional contributions of Nigerians at home and abroad in various fields such as business, healthcare, education, community service, and more.
The evening will feature a grand awards ceremony to honor those who have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and dedication in their respective industries. Among them, Dr Dabiri- Erewa
Hon. Dr. Abike Kafayat Oluwatoyin Dabiri-Erewa (OON) is a prominent Nigerian politician, public administrator, and former broadcast journalist who has been able to show leadership since her appointment as the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM).
To add colour to the event also, is
Dj X-One, reputed as the best Disc Jockey in the DMV area. Bunmi Ebony, a fast rising Juju Artiste in Atlanta will also be on the bandstand to thrill guests at the event to celebrate Nigeria.
****About NIBAD: The Nigerian Independence Ball, Awards, and Dinner (NIBAD) is an annual event that celebrates Nigeria’s Independence while recognizing the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora. NIBAD aims to highlight the cultural pride, resilience, and accomplishments of Nigerians globally, bringing together community leaders, professionals, and influencers for an evening of celebration, inspiration, and unity.
The Rivers State Police Command under CP Olugbenga A. Adepoju has condemned the purported renovation of the Abuloma Police Outpost by suspected cultists and ordered a full investigation into the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, ASP Blessing Agabe disclosed this in a Friday statement.
She said the command’s action follows a trending social media report and circulating video alleging that suspected cultists renovated the outpost and visited the facility on Thursday, October 15, to celebrate completion of the renovation.
The command said it “strongly condemns any action or association capable of compromising the integrity, discipline and professional standards of the Nigeria Police Force or conferring legitimacy, recognition or acceptance on suspected cult groups or other unlawful organisations.”
It added, “Police facilities are public institutions established for the protection of citizens and the enforcement of law and must not become platforms through which criminal groups seek public validation or influence.”
The command said CP Adepoju maintains zero tolerance for criminality and any conduct that undermines public confidence in the police.
Consequently, he has queried and relieved the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Abuloma Division and the Divisional Officer overseeing the affected outpost of their duties pending investigation.
The CP has also ordered a full investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and the veracity of the allegations, including the identities and backgrounds of the individuals or groups who financed or facilitated the renovation; the police officers who authorised or approved the project; whether due procedures were followed; whether any officer breached professional standards or compromised the integrity of the force; and the extent of any involvement by police personnel.
The command said while it welcomes legitimate community support for improving police facilities, consistent with Section 26(1)(d) of the Nigeria Police Act 2020, which provides for gifts and contributions to the Police General Fund, such support must not compromise police independence, professional standards or security.
“No donation or assistance confers immunity from investigation or prosecution,” the command stated, adding that the investigation will establish whether necessary approvals were obtained and appropriate checks conducted on those who financed the renovation.
It reiterated that it would not condone unprofessional conduct or any form of improper association with criminal elements and that appropriate disciplinary and legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable.
The Police Command in Benue State has confirmed the abduction of Rev. Fr. John Otache, Parish Priest of St. Margaret’s Parish, Ajegbe-Awume, in Ohimini Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Aondogu Orchia confirmed the incident on Friday in Makurdi.
Orchia said the command had commenced full investigation into the incident and efforts were ongoing to rescue the priest.
Meanwhile, the Catholic Diocese of Otukpo, in a statement signed by the Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Joseph Itodo, said the priest was abducted on October 13.
According to Itodo, Otache was returning home from Otukpo when he encountered the abductors along the Otobi Amejo-Ajegbe Road in Ohimini Local Government Area.
He expressed sadness over the incident, saying the Bishop of Otukpo, Most Rev. Michael Apochi, was deeply pained by the development.
He called on priests, religious members, the laity and other well-meaning individuals to pray for the priest’s safe and speedy release.
He also urged prayers for other persons held by kidnappers across the country, expressing hope for their safe return.
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