The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, on Monday, sympathised with the royal family of the Olubadam of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors.

The monarch died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025. His death came barely 12 months after he ascended the revered throne of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

In a condolence message to the family of the deceased, the Alaafin, through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, described the late Olubadan of Ibadanland as a visionary monarch whose contributions to the development of both Ibadanland and its people would remain indelible.

He said, “Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed royal father.

“A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. We part with our beloved monarch in pain. May our Lord bless and comfort the entire royal family during this time of grief,” Durojaiye said.

Oba Owoade noted that “no human being has ever been granted immortality, adding that every creature is bound to die, and whatever has a beginning will certainly have an end.

He said, “This is the law that governs life. It has no exceptions or exemptions. The living, then, must take this into account and prepare themselves for it. This short journey on Earth is bound to come to an end, and its end is the death of every living thing. All shall return to God. But whatever happens to us during this trip through life, whether good or bad, is meant as a test: We test you all with evil and good by way of trial. As dedicated, committed, resilient, large-hearted and amiable as the late monarch, when death came knocking at his door at 90 years, he was powerless as he could stop death before it snuffed life out of him.

“We pray for strength for the family. A good soul has passed away, and a good ruler has ascended to heaven. With a heavy heart, we part with our beloved father. May the soul of the departed royal father be at peace with our Heavenly Father. May the care and love of those around the deceased royal family provide comfort and peace to get them through the days ahead.”