By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was to address a world press conference in his palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, at about 2:00 p.m today before he died.
Recall that the traditional ruler had marked his 90th birthday on Saturday, July 5, with visits to homes of the needy, including Adeoyo Hospital and Oluyole Cheshire Home.
All through the philanthropic visits, the monarch was represented by one of his sons, Prince Sunmbo Owolabi Olakulehin.
The planned press conference was to mark his first coronation anniversary. He, however, reportedly died in his sleep in the early hours of the day.
The late Oba Olakulehin received staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on July 12, 2024 as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Meanwhile, the state governor, Engineer Makinde, alongside other prominent Nigerians, has mourned the passing of the traditional ruler.
Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, today, stated that government would stand by the family of the deceased and give their patriarch “a befitting burial.”
The statement followed the formal informing of the governor of the oba’s death.
Olanrewaju said the governor had received a delegation from the family, including 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, where he was officially told of the demise.
He added that Gov. Makinde, while addressing the delegation in his office, said the state would stand by the family at this period and also give the late Olubadan a befitting burial.
“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 of time.
“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,” Makinde said.
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.”
A former Minister of State for the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide, also mourned the Olubadan.
Oloye Akinjide stated that “for Baba to have ascended the throne in his hoary years, yet full of accomplishments, is a testament to a divine will on human destiny which no mortal can alter.
“His peaceful and impactful reign within a short period will forever remain evergreen in our memory.”
In a condolence message she signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan today, Oloye Akinjide added: “His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan, joining his ancestors on the 7th day of the 7th calendar month is significant. Figure seven is both symbolic and mystical, and stands for perfection.
” I will personally miss the monarch who was a father figure and advisor; it grieves my heart that he passed on, but I take solace in the fact that he has made a remarkable mark as a king.
“May Almighty forgive his shortcomings and grant him eternal rest in peace.”
Also, Rep Akin Alabi, member of the House of Representatives representing Egbeda/Ona Ara constituency and the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland, expressed deep sorrow over the death of the monarch.
In a message shared with the public, Rep Alabi said that he had attended the monarch’s 90th birthday celebration just two days before the sad news of his passing.
“Just two days ago, I attended the 90th birthday celebrations of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), but today, with a heavy heart, I join the good people of Ibadanland in mourning the passing of our royal father,” Alabi stated.
He offered prayers for the repose of the monarch’s soul and strength for the people of Ibadan during this difficult period.
“May his soul find eternal rest. May Ibadanland find peace and strength in this moment of profound loss. Sun re o, Kabiyesi,” he prayed.
Similarly, the Okere of Sakiland, Oba (Dr.) Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi, paid his condolences in a personally signed statement.
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Oba Olakulehin, but found solace in the indelible marks he left behind as a monarch. His transition to the great beyond is a significant loss to our traditional institution.
“I extend my heartfelt condolences to His Excellency, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, family, the entire people of Ibadan, friends and loved ones of the deceased monarch. May the Almighty grant us the strength to bear the irreparable loss,” he said.
Popular Ibadan philanthropist and Chairman of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, also expressed sadness over the demise of the Olubadan.
Chief Sanusi stated that the late paramount ruler of Ibadanland left behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to the development and prosperity of the city and its people.
“I’m deeply saddened to learn about the passing of a revered leader and pillar of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin who peacefully departed from this world, leaving behind a legacy of unwavering dedication to the development and prosperity of Ibadan and its people.
“Oba Olakulehin’s illustrious reign as the Olubadan of Ibadanland was marked by his tireless efforts to promote unity, progress, and cultural heritage within our beloved city.
”His visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare of his subjects earned him the respect and admiration of all who knew him. Under his guidance, Ibadan experienced significant advancements in various spheres of life, from infrastructure to education, healthcare, and beyond.
“Beyond his role as a traditional ruler, Oba Olakulehin also made significant contributions to the political landscape of Nigeria. As a one-time House of Representatives member of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he championed causes that uplifted the voices of the people and advocated for positive change on a national level. His legacy as a statesman and public servant will forever be remembered by generations to come,” he said.
