The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, on Thursday mourned the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

The monarch, who sent a delegation comprising the Asiwaju of Ogbomoso, General Oladayo Popoola(rtd), and the Abese of Ogbomoso, Chief James Oladipo, to the Oke Aremo Ibadan Palace at about 10.30 am, also congratulated the Otun Olubadan and former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on his emergence as the next Olubadan.

They were received on arrival by the Olubadan of Maye, Chief Lekan Alabi, who was the erstwhile Press Secretary to the old Oyo State Military Governor, Colonel Oladayo Popoola.

While extolling the virtues of the late Oba Olakulehin for leading an exemplary life, the Soun, who spoke through Chief Oladipo, lauded the people of Ibadan for their rancour-free and seamless chieftaincy transition system.

The first-class monarch expressed the hope that with the emergence of Oba Ladoja, the relationship between Ibadan and Ogbomoso would improve.

Also today, the delegation from the Ibadan Iyalode line paid a condolence visit.

The Osi Iyalode, Chief Mrs Yewande Durosaro; a two-time Minister, Chief (Mrs) Nike Akande; Chief (Mrs) Kudi Adeleke, Chief (Mrs) Moji Ladipo; Chief (Mrs) Tawa Sharafadeen Alli; Chief (Mrs ) Folake Akande; Dr Ayo Alaga, and Chief (Mrs ) Onibiyo Scott made up the delegation. They also congratulated the incoming Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, praying that he would live longer to take Ibadan to the next level.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, also visited the palace to mourn the late Oba Olakulehin and congratulated the incoming Olubadan. Also,the executives of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, led by its chairman, Senior Apostle Akinyemiju, paid condolence and congratulatory visits.

According to the CAN Chairman, Baba Olakulehin served Nigeria and fought for her unity and indivisibility before becoming Olubadan.

Describing Ibadan tradition and culture as unrivalled, the CAN leader congratulated the seamless chieftaincy transition system. He described the incoming Olubadan as a business titan, a remarkable politician and a veteran public administrator who cuts across different strata of society.

They prayed to God to grant him a long life, a sound mind, and good health to fulfil his obligations to the people of Ibadan.

Over 100 Baales and community leaders gathered in Ibadan on Thursday to mourn the passing of Oba Olakulehin. The delegation, led by the Chairman of the Ibadan Council of Baales, Chief Olunde Ige, also congratulated the Olubadan-Designate, Oba Ladoja, praying to God to grant him a long life, a sound mind, good health, and wisdom to steer the affairs of Ibadanland.

According to Chief Olunde, the original plan of the Baales was to come and celebrate with the late Olubadan on his 90th birthday and the impending first coronation anniversary. He said that the palace authorities had scheduled them for Wednesday only to discover that what was planned to be a purely ceremonial visit had turned into a condolence visit.

He described the departed monarch as a man of many parts who gave a good account of himself as the 43rd Olubadan. While praying for the repose of Oba Olakulehin, they prayed for continued peace and progress of Ibadanland.

They were received on behalf of the Olubadan-Designate by the Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Adewoyin; the Maye Olubadan Chief Lekan Alabi; Areago Olubadan, Chief Kola Gbadamosi; Aregbe Omo Balogun, Chief Taofeek Adegoke, and others.