• Tinubu, Makinde, Sultan, Oke, others mourn
• Gov assures deceased family of befitting burial
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has joined his ancestors. The Guardian learnt that the monarch passed away, yesterday, exactly one year after he ascended the throne.
The demise of Oba Olakulehin is also coming barely two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. One of the members of the Olubadan Media Team, Toye Arulogun, who confirmed the development while addressing journalists at the Alalubosa Estate residence of the late Olubadan, said the monarch lived a successful family, business and military life.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Olubadan, describing the monarch’s death as a painful twist of fate.
Tinubu, who said that he had recently received an invitation from the late Olubadan to his 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary, described Oba Olakulehin as a custodian of culture, a man of intellect and integrity, and a symbol of peace, wisdom, and continuity.
The state governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday, received a delegation from the monarch’s family, including the former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII); Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Bayo Oyero; younger brother of the deceased Olubadan, Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin and son of the deceased, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.
The governor, while addressing the delegation in his office, said the state would stand by the family during this period and also give the late Olubadan a befitting burial.
Oyero, who spoke earlier, said: “We are here this morning with gratitude to God and to formally inform you of the passing away of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away early this morning.
Also, a former Minister of State of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Olajumoke Akinjide, said: “For Baba to have ascended the throne in his hoary years, yet full of accomplishments, is a testament to a Divine will on human destiny which no mortal can alter. His peaceful and impactful reign within a short period will forever remain evergreen in our memory.”
However, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar; the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade 1, and President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, have expressed deep sorrow upon receiving the news of the passing of Oba Olakulehin.
The Sultan, in a statement signed by Secretary to the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Sai’idu Maccido (Danburam Sokoto), acknowledged the significant contributions the late monarch made towards the development of Ibadanland and humanity at large.
The Alaafin described the late Olubadan as a visionary monarch whose contributions to the developments of both Ibadanland and the people within his shortest reign would remain indelible.
Bishop Oke, in a statement, described the late monarch’s demise as the close of a remarkable chapter in the traditional leadership of Oyo State.
