In every true son of Ibadan, there’s a potential Olubadan. However, becoming Olubadan is a long haul of climbing 23-step rungs of either of the two chieftaincy ladders: Olubadan line (civil) and Balogun line (Military).

While the Obaship system and ascension to the coveted throne of Olubadan is unique and predictable, getting to the top of the ladder means a gift of long life for the highest ranking chiefs of the ancient Yorùbá capital city of Oyo State.

Becoming Olubadan is on rotational basis between the two lines of ascension to the throne headed by Ọtun Olubadan (Civil line) and Balogun (Military line). But in recent years, over a decade, there have been two high chiefs and of course, next-in-lines to the throne who never get to the top – Olubadan.

High Chief Sulaimon Adegboyega Omiyale was the Balogun of Ibadan land and next-in-line to Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, the 40th Olubadan who reigned from 11th of August, 2007 to 19th of January, 2016 and died at the age of 101 years.

High Chief S.A Omiyale, the then Balogun of Ibadan land.

With Oba Odulana, who succeeded Oba Yinusa Ogundipe Arapasowu 1, as next-in-line from the Civil line, it was supposed to be the turn of High Chief Omiyale, had it been he lived to succeed the aged monarch.

But the Balogun of Ibadan land died on Saturday, 7th November, 2015 at the University College Hospital, UCH, Ibadan, at the age of 91.

Two months after his death, the reigning Olubadan, Oba Odulana died on 19th January, 2016.

High Chief Omowale Kuye was the Ọtun Olubadan, traditional head of the Civil line. With Omiyale’s death, Kuye was a step closer to becoming Olubadan, but he also didn’t live to succeed the monarch.

Kuye, who was a former Director General, Special Duties and later Budget in the Office of the President of Nigeria — user both Alhaji Shehu Shagari and General Olusegun Obasanjo — died on 20th November, 2015; barely two weeks after the demise of Balogun of Ibadan land.

High Chief Omowale Kuye, the then Otun Olubadan.

Because of the earlier death of Balogun Omiyale whose line was supposed to produce the next monarch after the reigning Olubadan, High Chief Kuye would’ve become the next Olubadan being the highest ranking of the Olubadan-in-Council, but he also passed on before Oba Odulana.

Additionally, the demise of both Balogun Omiyale and Ọtun Olubadan Kuye, paved the way for the then Otun Balogun, Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, who eventually succeeded Oba Odulana as the 41st Olubadan in 2016. He was also succeeded in 2022 by the recently deceased 42nd Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.

Following the death of Oba Lekan Balogun, the next-in-line and Olubadan designate is the current Balogun from the Military line, Oba Owólabí Olakulehin.