The Orobiyi Family of Ido Town in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State has praised the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on his tenacity of purpose on the road to becoming the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
This was as the family commiserated with the Aliiwo Family over the passage of the 42nd Olubadan, the late Oba Sen Lekan Balogun, who passed on on 14 March, some two years after his installation.
It also commended the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja on the way he handled the issues affecting the Ibadan Traditional Council after the demise of Oba Balogun and the eventual selection of Oba Olakulehin as the Olubadan-designate.
The family stated these on Monday in a statement jointly signed by Chief Benjamin Ishola Orobiyi II and Alhaji Tajudeen Oladapo (Aka Warrior).
The Orobiyi Family is a royal dynasty and the founding fathers of Ido Town.
The family described the journey of Oba Olakulehin from being a mogaji to becoming the Olubadan-designate as long and tortuous.
“The long journey of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin from mogaji to Olubadan-designate is a long and tortuous one and no greater joy can there be for a man than to get to the peak of the traditional and cultural ladder.
“We therefore prayed that the reign of Oba Olakulehin will be peaceful and bring progress and sustainable development to Ibadanland.
“His vast experience and dedication to service will stand Ibadan in good stead during his reign. The Orobiyi Family wished kabiyesi a long reign on the throne,” Chief Benjamin Orobiyi II stated.
The family also expressed its condolences to the Balogun Aliiwo Family over the passage of the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun.
The Orobiyi Family added: “Oba Balogun was a man who served humanity and the nation at various levels before becoming the Olubadan.
“His reign as the Olubadan was also marked with peace and development relying on his experience, connections and diplomacy. Ibadan already misses him.”
The Orobiyi Family also commended High Chief Rashidi Ladoja for his handling of events after the demise of the former Olubadan, up to the selection of Oba Olakulehin as the Olubadan-designate.
The family said Senator Ladoja has displayed great magnanimity and patriotism by withdrawing the case against the Olubadan-in-Council from the court.
According to the Orobiyi royal dynasty, the Otun Olubadan has always displayed uncommon leadership qualities.
