HIM has many different duties to perform every day. Some are public duties, such as ceremonies, receptions and visits within Ibadan, nationwide or abroad. Oher duties are carried out away from the cameras, but they are no less important. These include reading letters from the public, official papers and briefing notes; audiences with politicians or ambassadors; and meetings with his Private Secretaries to discuss daily business and his future diary plans. In front of the camera or away from it, HIM’s duties go on, and no two days in his life are ever the same.
Morning
HIM’s working day begins like many peoples. After scanning the daily newspapers, HIM reviews his correspondence. Every day, 10-50 (and sometimes many more) letters from the public arrive. HIM chooses a selection to read himself and tells members of his staff how he would like them to be answered. This enables HIM personally to see a typical cross-section of his daily correspondence. Virtually every letter is answered by staff in his Private Secretary’s office.
HIM will then see, separately, two of his Private Secretaries with the daily quota of official papers and documents. This process takes upwards of an hour.
A series of official meetings or ‘audiences’ will often follow. HIM will see a number of important people. Each meeting usually lasts 10 to 20 minutes, and usually HIM and his visitor meet alone.
HIM may also meet a number of people who have won prizes or awards in a variety of fields such as literature or science, to present them individually with their prize.
If there is an Investiture – a ceremony for the presentation of honours and decorations – it begins at 11.00am and lasts just over an hour. HIM usually meets around 10 people at each Investiture to present Orders, decorations and medals. HIM will often lunch privately. Every few months, HIM will invite a dozen guests from a wide variety of backgrounds to an informal lunch. Occasionally, the guest list may consist of far fewer people, such as a newly appointed or retiring public/private personel and their guest. If HIM is spending the morning on engagements away from home and other commitments, he will visit up to three venues before lunch, either alone or jointly with his wife. On a regional visit, HIM lunch with a wide variety of people in places ranging from town halls to hospitals.
Afternoon
In the afternoons, HIM often goes out on public engagements. Such visits require meticulous planning beforehand to meet the hosts’ requirements. And HIM prepares for each visit by briefing himself on whom he will be meeting and what he will be seeing and doing. Royal engagements are carefully selected by HIM from a large number of invitations sent to him each year. This helps to ensure the widest possible spread and to make effective use of HIM time. HIM carries out around 150 engagements (including audiences) a year, to meet people, open events and buildings, unveil plaques and make speeches. Such engagements can include visits to schools, hospitals, factories, military units, art galleries, sheltered accommodation for elderly people, hostels for the homeless and local community schemes. HIM regularly goes out for the whole day to a particular community. HIM may end the afternoon seeing a number of high chiefs, Olubadan advisory council, honourable members from Ibadanland.
Evening
HIM working day does not stop at the end of the afternoon. Early evening may see a meeting with the traditional chiefs. HIM has a weekly meeting alone with the high chiefs (in addition to other meetings throughout the year).
On some evenings, HIM may attend a film première, a variety of concert performances in aid of a charitable cause, or a reception linked to organisations of which he is Patron. HIM also regularly hosts official receptions. Other receptions mark the work of particular groups in the community. HIM has numerous private interests, which can coincide with his public work, to complete his working day.
As owner of private estates, HIM oversee the management of the estates which are run on a commercial basis. He takes a close interest in all aspects of estate life, particularly in the tenant farmers and employees who live and work on the estates.
Through his public and private work, HIM is well-briefed and well-known.
A typical day for HIM Oba Olakulehin begins at dawn with prayers and meditation. He holds morning meetings with his chiefs and advisors, discussing matters of state and community. The late morning and early afternoon are often spent attending to the needs of his subjects – listening to their concerns, resolving disputes, and making decisions that affect the city.
In the afternoon, he may attend public events, inaugurate projects, or meet with visiting dignitaries. Evenings are reserved for personal reflection, time with family, and sometimes, attending cultural events or religious ceremonies. Despite his busy schedule, HIM Oba Olakulehin ensures that he remains accessible to his people, maintaining an open-door policy at his palace.