The Asiwaju Atunluse of Ibadanland, Chief Ademola Aremu, has mourned the demise of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Ige Olakulehin I, describing the passing as a great loss to the metropolis due to the late monarch’s attributes of fearlessness, fair play, and justice.

This was contained in a condolence message personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan.
He said rather than mourning the passage of the monarch, he should be celebrated for his enduring legacy of peace and respect for Ibadan tradition.

In the condolence message, the Aliiwo, Ibadan-born Chief, expressed shock at the news of the passing of the great monarch, stressing that “despite the fact that our revered father was well advanced in age in the contemporary context, the thinking and wish was that he would still be around us for some more years to come for us to benefit and enjoy him.”

“But, as believers, we can’t query our creator on any of His decisions, rather we should express gratitude to Him for giving unto Ibadan a monarch of immense goodwill, discipline and love who used his little period on the throne to advance the core Ibadan values of peaceful coexistence and love”, he added.

While condoling the immediate family members of the late Olubadan, the Ibadan Chief urged them not to mourn but to celebrate the passing of the monarch because of the good name and legacies of forthrightness, respect for Ibadan tradition, and peace he left behind.

He also extended his condolences to Ibadan sons and daughters, both at home and in the diaspora, and charged them not to be too sad about the short period Oba Olakuleyin spent on the throne but to be cheerful and celebrate the peace and love that pervaded the metropolis during his brief reign.

The Asiwaju Atunluse of Ibadanland also requested that prayers be offered for the family and the people of Ibadanland in general. He emphasised that they should not forget the incoming Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, whose own reign is also expected to be remarkable and bring further progress and development to the ancient city.

He likewise congratulated Oba Ladoja, who is set to succeed Oba Olakuleyin according to Ibadan tradition, and prayed that Almighty Allah would bless him with good health and a long life so that he can make his own contributions to the growth and development of Ibadanland.

The late Oba Akinloye Owolabi Ige Olakulehin I, aged 90, ascended the Ibadan throne as the 43rd occupant on 11th July 2024, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Dr. Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who reigned from 11th March 2022 to 14th March 2024.