FAMILY heads in Ibadan, also known as Ibadan Mogajis, on Thursday, visited the  Olubadan-designate, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, and pledged their allegiance to him.

The exercise was in fulfilment of the Ibadan tradition upon the nomination of Olakulehin as the Olubadan-designate.

The Mogajis were led by the Aare Egbe Mogaji, Asimiyu Ariori, to the private residence of Oba Olakulehin in the Alalubosa Government Reserved Area, Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

It was reported that the Olubadan-In-Council nominated and forwarded the name of Oba Olakulehin to the state government, after an April 16 selection meeting called by the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, at Oja’ba Palace in Ibadan.

The stool became vacant after the demise of Oba Lekan Balogun, who reigned for two years before joining his ancestors at the age of 81 years.

Speaking during their visit to the Olubadan-designate, the Mogajis, speaking through Ariori, pledged their support to the monarch and prayed for sound health and long life during his reign.

The Mogajis also sought the permission of the Olubadan-designate to visit the Otun Balogun, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, in line with the tradition, noting that the same was done to the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, after they visited the 42nd Olubadan, the late Oba Lekan Balogun, upon nomination.

Oba Olakulehin, who in his response, granted their request and appreciated the Mogajis for the visit, prayed that each of them would fulfil their desires on the path to the Olubadan throne.

The younger brother of the monarch, Chief Osuolale Owolabi, thanked the Mogajis for their pledge of support and obeisance to the Olubadan-designate.

PUNCH