Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away in the early hours of Monday in Ibadan.
Confirming the monarch’s demise, a family source said the revered traditional ruler died peacefully at the age of 90. Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland a year ago and recently marked his 90th birthday on July 5.
In a condolence message delivered while receiving a delegation from the late monarch’s family at Government House, Agodi, Governor Makinde assured that the state would honour the late royal father with a befitting burial.
“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will stay with the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial,” the governor said.
The delegation was led by the former president-general of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero. Other members included the monarch’s younger brother, Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin, and his son, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.
Addressing the family, Governor Makinde offered words of comfort, drawing from his own personal loss. “I will ask all the members of the family to take heart. Coincidentally, today marks the 13th year since my father passed on. So, for the immediate family, I pray for strength.
“We don’t always want them to go; we want them to stay with us. But God has designed our bodies for a certain period,” he added.
Speaking earlier, Chief Oyero officially informed the governor of the monarch’s death and expressed appreciation for the support shown by the state government throughout Oba Olakulehin’s reign.
“We are here this morning with gratitude to God and to formally inform you of the passing away of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Frederick Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, who passed away early this morning.
“We thank you very sincerely. In spite of the controversial situation we had before he ascended the throne, you still approved his ascension to the imperial throne of Ibadanland.
“We want to thank your government for all you have done, including a remarkable, historic coronation ceremony, which the government did for him,” Oyero said.
