The 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is dead. He passed away at the age of 90.
Making this known, a former Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Toye Arulogun, confirmed the death of the revered monarch on Monday.
Arulogun, who is part of the team handling media and publicity for the late Olubadan, said an official statement would be issued soon.
“Confirmed. Official statement on the way,” Arulogun told newsmen in a brief response.
It was gathered that Oba Olakulehin died in the early hours of Monday, during activities marking his 90th birthday and the first anniversary of his coronation.
Meanwhile, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, and the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, have mourned the death of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
In a statement signed by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin described the late Olubadan as a visionary monarch whose short reign left an enduring mark on Ibadanland.
“No human being has ever been granted immortality. Every soul shall taste death. A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul has ascended to heaven. We part with our beloved monarch in pain,” the Alaafin said.
Also reacting, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, described Oba Olakulehin’s reign as peaceful and valuable to the preservation of Ibadan’s tradition.
In a condolence message issued by his spokesman, Dr Abdulazeez Arowona, the Emir expressed sympathies to the Olubadan’s family, the Olubadan-in-Council, and the people of Oyo State.
The late monarch ascended the throne following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun.
His death comes barely a year after his coronation, plunging Ibadanland into mourning once again.
Further announcements regarding burial arrangements are expected from the Olubadan-in-Council.
