The city of Ibadan has entered a 21-day mourning period in honour of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died in the early hours of Monday after a prolonged illness.

The mourning period, which began on Tuesday, is in line with the age-old tradition of the ancient city following the demise of a sitting monarch.

Oba Olakulehin, who reigned as the 43rd Olubadan, passed on at a private hospital in Ibadan, prompting an outpouring of tributes and ceremonial rites across the metropolis.

As customs dictate, members of the Olubadan-in-Council will commence the process of selecting a new Olubadan at the end of the mourning period.

According to the traditional succession hierarchy, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, is next in line to ascend the throne.

His nomination is expected to be formally moved by the Balogun Olubadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, and seconded by the Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole.

The meeting to formalise this process will take place at the new Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, located within the Ibadan North Local Government Area.

Although Oba Ladoja was reportedly out of town when news of Oba Olakulehin’s death broke, our correspondent gathered that he is expected to return to the city in the coming days to begin the formal traditional rites required ahead of his potential installation. (The PUNCH)