One year after his demise, family members as well as notable community leaders recently honoured the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin.

 

The three leg memorial activities took place in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital with family members and Ibadan elders present.

 

One of the traditional ruler’s children, Princess Oluwatosin Emmanuel (Owolabi-Olakulehin) expressed gratitude to the current Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I and the Government of Oyo State for their continued love and support for the family.

 

Activities marking the memorial events include, commemorative church service, commissioning of ten streetlights donated to the family compound as well as adjourning compounds within Ita Baale, Ibadan area; and a reception at Oba Olakulehin’s former residence.

 

Speaking during commissioning of the project, President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Atunlushe of Ibadanland Aare Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole noted, “the decision to undertake this laudable project has further confirmed the saying that a light that continues to shine long after the life of the man it honours. As the lights now illuminate the ancestral compound and neighbouring family compounds, they serve as a daily reminder of the life, values, leadership, and legacy of our late Olubadan,”

 

On her part, Princess Emmanuel said, “for me, this solar-powered streetlights project, accompanied by food and drink distribution represents more than an infrastructure project. They stand as a lasting symbol of remembrance, service, and gratitude for a revered traditional ruler whose life and contributions left an indelible mark on his extended family, Ibadanland, and Oyo State.

 

It is also my humble way of giving back to the family and the community for the support and cooperation that gave to my father, king and hero since his installation initially as the Mogaji of the compound, and all through to the time he became the paramount ruler of Ibadanland.”

 

During the second and third day, Princess Emmanuel also acknowledged the organisers for making her the Mother of the Day at the Ibadan Cultural Festival, UK and Ireland, and Nigeria-France Cultural Fiesta.”

 

She further expressed happiness with executives of the Ibadan Think Tank Group and others for their unflinching support.

 

Memorial service was also held by at The Cathedral Church of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan on July 12, 2026 where the presiding priest urged those present to imbibe the culture of service to humanity as exemplified by the life and times of the late monarch.

 

Recall Oba Olakulehin died on July 7, 2025 few days after his 90th birthday. He was the 43rd Olubadan.