The Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1 joined his ancestors yesterday. The Oba was aged 101 and 3 months short of his 102 birthday.
The late monarch who was reported to have been hale and hearty earlier in the morning passed on peacefully surrounded by his wife and some of his children. His remains have since been deposited at the University College Hospital (UCH).
The Oba ascended the throne in 2007 after the death of Oba Yunusa Ogundipe, Arapasowu 1. The late Oba was a teacher, soldier, member of House of Representatives, Parliamentary Secretary to the late Premier of the Western Region, Sir Tafawa Balewa in the first republic and he climbed about 22 steps before he became the Olubadan of Ibadan.
For the Olubadan, it was a long walk to the throne. His first steps to the traditional royal stool were first taken in 1973 when he became the Jagun of Ibadan. Yet, it took him more than 30 years to climb the crucial 22 ladders to become king. He finally became the Olubadan in 2007, at the age of 93. With his advanced age, Oba Odulana is reputed as the oldest person to be crowned Olubadan in recent history.
The late Oba recently had a disagreement with Governor Abiola Ajimobi on the elevation of some high chiefs following the demise of the Otun Olubadan and Balogun Olubadan. It took the intervention of Ibadan Elders to resolve the conflict.
Oba Samuel Odulana, Odugade 1 was the 40th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
