The Eze Ndigbo of Ibadan and Yorubaland, James Oramadike, has extended his deepest condolences to Governor Seyi Makinde, the people of Ibadan, and the family of the late 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away last Monday at the age of 90, just days before marking his first coronation anniversary.
Okay.ng reports that in a statement issued from Ibadan on Wednesday, Oramadike described the late monarch as “a symbol of unity and strength,” whose leadership and wisdom will be sorely missed. He prayed for divine strength for the bereaved family to bear the “irreparable loss.”
The Eze Ndigbo also praised the well-established rotational system of succession between the Otun Line and the Balogun Line, which ensures a smooth transition of power. “The system has thrown up the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the next Olubadan, being the most senior king on the Otun Line,” Oramadike noted.
He urged other Nigerian kingdoms to adopt similar succession frameworks to avoid disputes and rancor. Oramadike also acknowledged the positive role Oba Ladoja played during his tenure as governor in fostering harmony between Ibadan’s indigenous population and the Igbo community, as well as other non-indigenes.
Promising continued support from the Igbo community, Oramadike affirmed their commitment to the development and progress of Ibadanland.
