•Oyo govt promises befitting burial
From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja and Oluseye Ojo
Eminent Nigerians, including President Bola Tinubu, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State; Sultan of Sokoto and co-Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar
National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, have paid glowing tributes to the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed on July 7, this year.
The list also included a former Minister of State (FCT), Oloye Jumoke Akinjide; ex-vice chairman, Senate Committee on Youth and Sports, Dr. Kola Balogun; and Chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwale Akinwole.
These came as a delegation from the bereaved royal family, including the former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero; younger brother of the deceased Olubadan, Mr Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin, and son of the deceased, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi, visited Governor Makinde to formally inform him about the demise of the monarch.
President Tinubu expressed profound sorrow over the passing of Oba Olakulehin, describing him as a man whose intellect and influence reached far beyond the traditional confines of the palace.
Tinubu celebrated the late Oba Olakulehin, who died at the age of 90, as not only a custodian of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage but also a distinguished scholar and statesman whose contributions impacted education, governance, and national development.
“Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was a man of intellect and principle whose legacy extended well beyond the palace walls,” President Tinubu said. “His life was a testament to leadership, learning, and service, and his wisdom served as a stabilising force for Ibadanland and the Yoruba nation.”
According to Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President recalled receiving an invitation from the Olubadan just last week to celebrate his 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary, moments tragically cut short by his passing. He praised the monarch for upholding the honour and prestige of the Olubadan stool throughout his reign.
Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village near Akanran, Oba Olakulehin rose through Ibadanland’s unique succession system, which alternates leadership between civil and military lines. A distinguished academic, he held a master’s degree in administration and economics and pursued doctoral studies. His passion for research and integrity was evident in his tenure as a lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he was known for his principled and progressive scholarship.
President Tinubu lauded the late monarch’s ability to bridge tradition with modernity, emphasizing that his intellectual contributions and moral authority left an indelible mark on both his people and the nation.
He extended his heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the government, and the people of Oyo State, urging them to find comfort in the enduring values and legacy of the Olubadan.
“May his soul rest in peace,” President Tinubu concluded, “and may his life continue to inspire generations to come.”
Governor Makinde, while addressing the delegation in his office, said the state would stand by the family at this period and also give the late Olubadan a befitting burial.
Makinde, in a statement by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, his special adviser (media), said: “We don’t always want them to go; we want them to stay with us. But God has designed our bodies for a certain period of time.
“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will definitely stay with the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial. I will ask all the members of the family to take heart.”
Sultan, in a condolence message, expressed sorrow over the passing of the revered monarch, describing him as “a remarkable leader and good-hearted giant in thought and action.”
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Sai’idu Maccido, he extended sympathies to the government of Oyo State, the bereaved royal family, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council.
He acknowledged the contributions of Oba Olakulehin to the peace and development of Ibadanland and his unwavering commitment to the service of humanity.
“The passing of this great monarch leaves a void that will be felt across the land.
“Even though he reigned for only a short period, his dedication to his people and the dignity he brought to the throne will long be remembered.
“May God grant the family and the good people of Ibadanland the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Ameen.”
The Sultan’s tribute reflects the strong ties and mutual respect among Nigeria’s traditional institutions, transcending regional and ethnic boundaries.
Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari described the death of Oba Olakulehin as the will of Almighty Allah.
He noted that the one year reign of the deceased was peaceful and valuable to the sustenance of the cultural heritage and tradition of the people of Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
Sulu-Gambari commiserated with the immediate and extended family members of Oba Olakulehin, Olubadan-In-Council, Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council, government and good people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incident.
He prayed to God for the repose of the soul of the deceased and to give the people of the ancient city of Ibadan and humanity at large, the patience to bear the great loss.
The PFN National President, Bishop Oke also expressed heartfelt condolences to the Olubadan Royal Family, the Ibadan Obas-in-Council, the people of Ibadan, and the government of Oyo State over the passing of Oba Olakulehin.
Oke, who also is the President of Sword of the Spirit Ministries and Founder of Precious Cornerstone University (PCU), described the late monarch’s demise as the close of a remarkable chapter in the traditional leadership of Oyo State.
“Oba Olakulehin was a devoted Christian and a father figure to all. He embodied quiet strength, generosity, and unwavering dedication to the well-being of his people. His legacy is further deepened by his patriotic service as a military officer during the Nigerian Civil War,” Oke stated.
Also, former Minister of State (FCT), Oloye Akinjide, said the fact that Oba Olakulehin joined “his ancestors on the 7th day of the 7th Calendar month is significant. Figure 7 is both symbolic and mystical, and stands for perfection.
”I will personally miss the monarch who was a father figure and advisor, it grieves my heart that he passed on but I take solace in the fact that he has made a remarkable mark as a king.”
In the same vein, Senator Kola Balogun, described it as shocking and a deep loss to Ibadan. He enjoined the immediate family of the late monarch to take solace in the fact that they had a father any child could be proud of and an Olubadan that made a mark as a peaceful and highly respected monarch.
Chairman, Oyo State Local Government Service Commission, Bashorun Akinwole, noted: “Within the past one year, Baba demonstrated exemplary leadership, wisdom, and a deep commitment to the growth and unity of Ibadan. His reign, though short, left a lasting impact on the people and will be remembered for the peace and development it brought.”
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Adebo Ogundoyin, Ogundoyin described the news of the death of the revered monarch’s demise as “a heartbreaking twist of fate.”
He recalled the recent joyful tributes he extended to the Olubadan on the nonagenarian birthday on July 5.
“Just two days ago, we were offering prayers of thanksgiving for a glorious 90th year.
“Today, we bow our heads in mourning, grappling with the sudden departure of a royal father whose presence was a beacon of tradition, unity, and wisdom in Ibadanland,” the speaker said.
Ogundoyin said Olubadan’s life was a radiant testament to selfless leadership and unwavering devotion to Ibadan’s sociocultural heritage.
He praised Oba Olakulehin’s reign as one marked by peace, dignity, and the strengthening of traditional values across the state.
The speaker extended his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the royal family, the entire Ibadan indigenes both at home and abroad, and the government of Oyo State.
Ogundoyin emphasised that though the monarch has physically departed, his legacy would echo across generations.
“In just 48 hours, we moved from celebration to sorrow, but such is the tapestry of life. Kabiyesi lived a full, impactful life.
“Though our hearts are heavy, we give thanks for the decades he dedicated to the throne and to the people. May the soul of our dearly beloved Olubadan rest eternally in peace,” he said.
Agbekoya Society of Nigeria, a group dedicated to the protection of Yoruba heritage, described the late traditional ruler as a man of peace, wisdom, and strength.
It stated that the late royal father served Ibadanland with dignity and unshakable commitment to unity, traditional values, and progress.
The group’s National President, Mr Okikiola Kamorudeen, in a condolence message in Lagos, said although his time on the throne was relatively short, Oba Olakulehin’s reign was marked by tranquility, maturity, and respect for tradition.
“His death is a monumental loss not only to Ibadanland, but to the entire Yoruba nation.
“The Agbekoya Society of Nigeria mourns alongside the people of Ibadanland, the Olubadan-in-Council, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigene (CCII), and the Oyo State Government.
“We pray for the peaceful repose of the royal father’s soul and for strength to the royal family and people he left behind,”he said.
Kamorudeen said the society congratulated Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland, who is next in line to ascend the throne of the Olubadan.
He said that Agbekoya Society also extends warm congratulations to Oba Eddy Oyewole, on his recent and well-deserved elevation to the position of Otun Olubadan of Ibadan land.
Kamorudeen said his promotion was a testament to his dedication and the strength of the time-tested succession structure of the Olubadan system.
“The society emphasises the importance of unity, orderliness, and adherence to tradition as Ibadan enters this sacred period of transition,” he said.
Kamorudeen urged all stakeholders, traditional leaders, political actors, community leaders, and the general public to uphold the sanctity of the process and resist any attempts to sow division or disruption.
He said that Ibadanland must remain united and the Yoruba heritage must remain unshaken while Agbekoya would continue to defend the land and the truth.