Plans are currently at an advanced stage for the installation and coronation of the Olubadan of Ibadanland-design ate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, which is scheduled to take place on Friday, July 12, 2024.

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, had on Monday, July 1, 2024, set up a 14-man committee for the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the new monarch.

In a statement released by the state’s Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, was announced as the head of the committee.

Other cabinet members on the committee include the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Toyin Balogun; and Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun.

The statement added, “The coronation committee also has the son of the Olubadan-designate, Folaseke Olakulehin; Onikepo Akande, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, Oba Lateef Adebimpe; a former Deputy Governor of the state, Hazeem Gbolarumi; Toye Arulogun, Bishop Ademola Moradeyo, Sunday Odukoya, Mogaji Abduljeleel Adanla; and Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ramota Agberemi-Dabo, as members.”

Meanwhile, the commissioner stated that the new Olubadan palace will be commissioned by Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday.

According to him, “The ultramodern historic palace sitting magnificently on Oke-Aremo, which completion had been delayed for so long, will be the new official home of subsequent Olubadans, starting with Oba Olakulehin on Friday.”

He added, “The new palace is a symbol of tradition and modernity, bonding the rich cultural heritage and legacy of the Yorubas.

“On Thursday, July 11, the maiden edition of the Egungun-Amala-Fuji Festival will hold at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.

The festival, convened by the State Ministry of Culture and Tourism is a fusion of traditional masquerade performance, delicious food and soul-stirring fuji music that showcase the cultural richness of Yoruba people.”

The coronation event on Friday, July 12, will begin at the Labosinde compound, Ibadan, where the new Olubadan will receive the traditional leaves and other rites before moving to neighbouring Osemeji, where he will receive his crown.

Thereafter, the monarch will be coronated and presented with the Staff of Office by Governor Makinde at Mapo Hall.

Society Plus also gathered that preparations are currently going on at a frenetic pace, as everybody involved is working hard to ensure a befitting event.

Currently, the aso-ebi (uniform fabric) to be used for the ceremony is said to be in high demand by guests from different walks of life.

The aso-ebi includes a blue and black material, stripped yellow ofi fabric for cap and headgear, and they are on display at Olakulehin’s private residence in Alalubosa Estate, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

When asked if he had bought the aso ebi for the occasion, a source said, “Every member of the Okugbaja family, the larger clan of the Olakulehin family in Ita Baale and all our neighbours, is anticipating and have bought the ankara fabric and cap to match. We will celebrate the coronation by God’s grace.”

In the lead up to his installation, the Olubadan-designate is expected to remain in seclusion.