.. Visionary monarch whose contributions to Ibadanland remain indelible -Alaafin Reacts
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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has mourned the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin.
The revered traditional ruler died in Ibadan in the early hours of Monday, according to a family source.
Hours after his demise, the governor said the state government would ensure that the late king was given 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,” Makinde said while receiving a delegation from the family.
Other members of the delegation include the former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero; the younger brother of the deceased Olubadan, Mr Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin and the son of the deceased, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.
“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.”
Speaking earlier, Chief Oyero said: “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.”
Oba Olakulehin celebrated his 90th birthday on July 5 and ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland a year ago.
Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, barely a year after his ascension to the throne.
In a condolence statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, on Monday in Ibadan, Oyo State, the Alaafin described the late Olubadan as “a visionary monarch whose contributions to Ibadanland remain indelible despite his short reign.”
He said: “Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed royal father. A good heart has stopped beating, and a good soul has ascended to heaven. We part with our beloved monarch in pain.”
He continued, “No human being has ever been granted immortality. Every creature is bound to die, and whatever has a beginning will certainly have an end.”
Quoting philosophical reflections drawn from religious teachings, the monarch reminded Nigerians of the inevitability of death and urged reflection on the transient nature of life.
“If God’s messenger (peace be upon him) will die, could they be granted life everlasting? Every soul shall taste death. This is the law that governs life. It has no exceptions or exemptions,” he stated.
“This short journey on Earth is bound to come to an end, and its end is the death of every living thing. All shall return to God. But whatever happens to us, good or bad, is meant as a test.”
The Alaafin described the late Olubadan as “dedicated, committed, resilient, large-hearted and amiable,” adding that not even the wisdom or stature of a revered monarch could resist the final call of death.
On behalf of himself and the people of Oyo town, the Alaafin extended heartfelt condolences to the Olubadan royal family, the Olubadan-in-Council, and the entire people of Ibadanland.
“We pray for strength for the family. A good soul has passed on, and a good ruler has gone up to heaven. With a heavy heart, we part with our beloved father.”
“May the soul of the departed royal father be at peace with our Heavenly Father. May the care and love of those around the deceased royal family provide comfort and peace to get them through the days ahead,” the respected traditional ruler prayed.
Also, a former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, is expected to emerge as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland following the demise of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Following his death, a new Olubadan is expected to emerge in the coming days based on the rotational succession system, which alternates the Olubadan stool between the two ruling lines: Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military).
With the late Olakulehin ascending from the Balogun line, the next monarch is expected from the Egbe Agba line, where Ladoja is currently the most senior High Chief.
Speaking after receiving his beaded crown and adopting the title of Oba, Ladoja stated that there was no issue with assuming the position of king in the Olubadan lineage. He emphasised that the Olubadan of Ibadanland remained the only paramount king in the ancient city, while all other Obas were subjects and advisers.
He also expressed readiness to ascend the throne if the opportunity presents itself.
“Misunderstanding was the cause of what happened before because what we were asking before was that as a king, where is our domain?
“They have answered us that we were king in the Olubadan line because what the declaration tells us was that Otun can become king, Osi, Asipa, and Ekeerin, including all of us in the Olubadan line, can become king.
“The question I have been asking, where is our domain, has been answered. Only those that God destined can become the Olubadan. We have seen some who rose to the post of the Otun and Balogun but eventually didn’t become the Olubadan.
“Now that we have become the king, we have become the adviser and servant to Oba Olakulehin because he can send us to wherever he wants as our king. We only have one king in Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin is our king,” Ladoja said.
In the meantime, Sympathisers thronged the Alalubosa private residence of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on Monday morning following the monarch’s death in the early hours of the day.
The gates of the residence were left open, allowing mourners and well-wishers to enter freely and pay their respects to the late traditional ruler.
Oba Olakulehin passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, barely two days after marking his 90th birthday.
He ascended the throne in July 2024 and reigned for just one year.
Born on July 5, 1935, the revered monarch received his staff of office from Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024.
His death has drawn an outpouring of condolences from both residents and visitors outside Ibadan.