Olubadan-designate Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s nomination is awaiting Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval, Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs Commissioner Segun Olayiwola said yesterday.

He disclosed that his nomination as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland has scaled through all the stages, except the final approval.

Olayiwola emphasised that having passed through other stages, the governor would give his approval, following his return to the country from his oversea trip.

The governor, who travelled out of the country last month, is expected back any moment from now.

88-year old Olakulehin, prominent businessman, politician and Balogun of Ibadanland, is expected to succeed the late Oba Lekan Balogun, who passed on two months ago.

Last week, a government delegation visited the Olubadan-designate.

It was made up of the Chairman, Governor’s Advisory Council, Chief Ayorinde (SAN); Olayiwola and a member of the council, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu.

The delegation conveyed the governor’s congratulatory message to the Olubadan-elect and expressed assurances of his high regard.

A source said apart from assuring that Makinde was not opposed to his nomination, the delegation was also able to ascertain Olakulehin’s state of health, which is a crucial requirement for approval as contained in the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.

There has been speculations about Olakulehin’s state of health, with some people alleging that he was not fit for the ardous traditional responsibilities.

The source said government wanted to ascertain whether Olakulehin could withstand the rigour before he can be crowned.

The source added: “The delegation went there and saw that baba was in good health. So, you can expect that Governor Makinde will waste no time in approving his nomination when he comes back.”

Olayiwola, however, said Olakulehin’s file was still in his ministry because the governor is not in the country.

He said: “When His Excellency returns, I will take the file to him. That is when we will know the next action on the issue. But the file is still with us for now.”