Traditional Drummers Resume Duties at Olubadan Palace Following Farewell to Late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin

Ibadan, Oyo State A seven-man group of traditional drummers officially resumed their duties at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo on Monday, August 12, 2025 marking a significant cultural transition following their farewell at the Alalubosa residence of the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

The drummers who had played for the late Oba Olakulehin formally signed out from his Alalubosa residence as part of the customary rites signaling the end of his reign and the transition phase toward the succession of the new Olubadan.

This ceremonial move is deeply embedded in Ibadan’s rich chieftaincy traditions.

The resumption of the drummers at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo symbolizes their transfer of allegiance to the Olubadan-designate former Oyo State Governor Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja who is next in line to ascend the ancient Olubadan throne.

The traditional drummers’ activities at the palace are a crucial part of palace rituals and cultural communication in Ibadanland.

The transfer followed the customary two-week mourning period after the death of Oba Olakulehin, who passed away after a protracted illness causing a significant pause in many cultural and social activities across the city.

The drummers’ departure from the late monarch’s residence and their return to the Olubadan Palace mark the prologue to the next chapter in Ibadan’s leadership and heritage.

Leading palace officials and cultural custodians welcomed the drummers back to the palace where preparations continue for the formal installation and presentation of the staff of office to the new Olubadan. This event is keenly anticipated by the people of Ibadan and Yoruba cultural enthusiasts across Nigeria.

The drummers’ role in these proceedings underscores the importance of traditional music and ritual in maintaining historical continuity and community identity in Ibadanland.

This cultural milestone reaffirms Ibadan’s enduring respect for its monarchic institutions and the customs surrounding their succession. Further developments regarding the Olubadan succession will follow in due course.

This report will be updated as new details about the succession and palace activities emerge.Olubadan Palace Traditional Drummers Resume Duties After Farewell at Late Olubadan’s Residence

Ibadan,Oyo State A seven-man group of traditional drummers resumed their duties at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo on Monday, August 12, 2025. This followed their formal farewell at the Alalubosa residence of the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

The drummers’ transition marks an important cultural rite in Ibadanland’s traditional monarchy system. Having played throughout Oba Olakulehin’s reign, the drummers’ move signals the continuation of palace traditions and the transfer of allegiance to the Olubadan-designate former Governor Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja who is next in line to ascend the throne.

This event comes after the customary two-week mourning period following Oba Olakulehin’s passing. The drummers’ return to the palace is a key step towards the official installation of the new Olubadan and reflects the deep-rooted cultural heritage surrounding royal succession in Ibadan.

Palace officials and cultural custodians welcomed the drummers back, underscoring the significance of their role in palace ceremonies and community identity. Preparations for the next phase of the Olubadan succession continue as the people of Ibadan await formal announcements and celebrations.

This development reaffirms Ibadan’s respect for ancient traditions and the continuity of its historic monarchy.