The Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Rashidi Ladoja, on Wednesday, argued that Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, was not in a position to determine the medical fitness of the Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, contrary to his submission.
The PUNCH reports that Oba Ajibola had, on Tuesday, declared that the Olubadan-designate, Oba Olakulehin, is still ill and not physically fit to rule at the moment.
The Olubadan stool became vacant after the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who reigned for two years and died at the age of 81.
Ladoja, who spoke with newsmen at his residence in Ondo Street in Ibadan, the state capital, said that while Ajibola has the right to his opinion, he is not a medical doctor to determine the fitness of the Olubadan-designate.
He insisted that Olakulehin is an elderly person and should not be expected to act like a youth.
“Olakulehin is not a 20-year-old man. He is not 30 years old or 40 years old man. He is over 80 years old. So, we can’t expect him to act like a youth,” he said.
On whether Ajibola, who is to nominate Olakulehin as Olubadan at the Olubadan-in-Council meeting on Friday, can be substituted, Ladoja said, “If Ajibola fails to attend the Friday meeting, he can be substituted with another High Chief next to him.
“Ajibola can be substituted to nominate Olubadan if he doesn’t come to the meeting.
“I’ve already slated a meeting for Friday because tomorrow (Thursday) is a public holiday. If he doesn’t come, he can be substituted.”