Olusegun Adeyemo
Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, who passed away barely a year after ascending the throne.
Governor Makinde was formally informed of the monarch’s passing during a condolence visit by members of the Olakulehin family, including Chief Bayo Oyero, former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland; Mr. Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin, the late monarch’s younger brother; and Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi, the late Olubadan’s son.
Addressing the delegation at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan, Makinde assured the family and the people of Ibadan that the state government would stand by them during this period of mourning and would ensure the late king is given a dignified and 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,” the governor said. “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.”
Makinde, in a moment of personal reflection, noted the emotional significance of the day, stating, “Coincidentally, today marks the 13th year since my father passed on. So, for the immediate family, I pray for strength.”
Earlier, Chief Oyero conveyed the family’s official notification of the monarch’s death and their appreciation to the state government for its role in his 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,” Oyero said.
He lauded the Makinde administration for the support extended to the late monarch, especially during his contested ascension to the throne. “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,” he added.
Oyero also praised the government for organizing what he described as “a remarkable, historic coronation ceremony” for Oba Olakulehin.
Oba Olakulehin, who celebrated his 90th birthday on July 5, ascended the throne in July 2024 as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the death of his predecessor. His reign, though brief, was regarded as significant, especially as he was the second Olubadan to occupy the newly commissioned official palace at Oke-Aremo.
The governor’s pledge signals the beginning of state preparations for the monarch’s burial rites, as Ibadan mourns the passing of a king who, despite a short reign, left a lasting mark on the city’s traditional and cultural heritage.