President Bola Tinubu has led a deluge of tributes as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin joined his ancestors. He was aged 90.
In a statement by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, the president extended his heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the government, and people of Oyo State, as well as the entire Ibadanland, on the loss of the revered traditional ruler, a statesman, and a symbol of peace, wisdom, and continuity.
Tinubu mourned the Olubadan and celebrated his remarkable life of service to his people, the state, and the nation.
He described the late monarch as a highly accomplished man of peace, a public servant, and a royal father whose life embodies the highest ideals of leadership, learning, and service.
According to the president: “Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was not only a custodian of Ibadan’s rich history and culture but also a man of intellect and principle whose contributions extended beyond the palace into education, governance, and national development. His passing is a significant loss to Ibadanland and the nation.
“Just last week, I received an invitation from the late Olubadan to his 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary celebrations. Shockingly, his death came days before the anniversary. He will be remembered for upholding the honour and prestige of his highly revered stool.”
Tinubu lauded Oba Olakulehin’s legacy as one that bridged tradition and modernity, adding that his wisdom and moral authority served as a stabilising force in Ibadanland and the wider Yoruba nation.
The president prayed for the peaceful repose of the monarch’s soul and urged the people of Ibadan to take solace in his life and the values he embodied.
Also, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, while mourning the passage of the monarch, said the state would stand by the family at this period and also give the late Olubadan a befitting burial.
Makinde played host to a delegation from the family of the late monarch who formally came to inform him about the passing of the Oba Olakulehin.
The delegation from the family included a former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero; younger brother of the deceased Olubadan, Mr Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin, and son of the deceased, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.
“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.
“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will definitely stay with the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial.
“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,” he said.
Also, the Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, NTRCN, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Olubadan of Ibadan Land.
In a heartfelt condolence message signed by Alhaji Sai’idu Maccido (Danburam Sokoto), Secretary to the Sultanate Council, on Monday, the Sultan described the late monarch as a “remarkable leader and good-hearted giant in thought and action,” whose brief but impactful reign left an indelible mark on Ibadan and Nigeria at large.
Speaking on behalf of himself and the Sultanate Council, Sokoto, the Sultan extended sympathies to the Oyo State Government, the royal family, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council, noting that Oba Olakulehin’s contributions to the development of Ibadan Land and humanity will not be forgotten.
“The passing of this great monarch leaves a void that will be felt across the land,” the Sultan stated. “Even though he was with us for just a year beyond his ascension to the throne, his legacy and dedication to his people will forever resound in the hearts and minds of everyone.”
He offered prayers for strength and comfort to the bereaved family and people of Ibadan Land, concluding with, “May God grant the family and the good people of Ibadan Land the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Ameen.”
Similarly, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, yesterday, commiserated with his Oyo State counterpart, Makinde, over the passing of the Olubadan.
Abiodun, in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, described the late Olubadan as very urbane and highly cosmopolitan with a deep knowledge of Yoruba culture and customs.
He also eulogised the deceased royal father as a man of peace whose reign engendered harmony and unity among his subjects with resultant development in Ibadan land.
Abiodun, therefore, prayed for the repose of his soul and necessary strength for his immediate family and all the people of Ibadan land to bear the irreparable loss
“On behalf of all the Governors in the southern part of Nigeria, I sympathise with his Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan in-council and all sons and daughters of Ibadan over the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on Monday.
“Although his death came at a time when we still need his wealth of experience and fatherly wisdom, we, however, take solace in the fact that his life was very eventful and impactful as a harbinger of the rich tradition and culture of Ibadan and Yoruba in general.”
“May God rest the soul of Kabiyesi as he transited to join his ancestors in the great beyond”, the statement read.
