Makinde Mourns Passing of Olubadan Olakulehin, Assures Family of State Support

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has officially received news of the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I.

The governor was informed during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Olakulehin family at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday. The delegation included the former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero; the late monarch’s younger brother, Mr. Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin; and his son, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.

Addressing the delegation, Governor Makinde expressed heartfelt condolences to the family and the entire Ibadanland, stating that the state government would stand by the family and ensure the late monarch receives a befitting burial.

“I want to ask all the members of the family to take heart,” Makinde said. “Coincidentally, today marks 13 years since my father passed on, so I understand how it feels. I pray for strength for the immediate family during this difficult time.”

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Earlier, Chief Bayo Oyero, speaking on behalf of the family, formally announced the demise of Oba Olakulehin, who passed away in the early hours of the day. He expressed the family’s gratitude to the governor for his support throughout the late king’s reign.

“We are here this morning with gratitude to God and to formally inform you of the passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Frederick Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I,” Chief Oyero said. “We deeply appreciate your role in approving his ascension to the throne despite the controversies that preceded it. We also thank your government for the remarkable coronation ceremony conducted in his honour.”

Oba Olakulehin recently celebrated his 90th birthday on July 5 and ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland exactly one year ago.