Olubadan: Tinubu mourns passing of Oba Olakulehin

Olubadan

By JAMIU JAMODU

President Bola Tinubu has received with deep shock the news of the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away at the age of 90.

The President extends his heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the government, and people of Oyo State, as well as the entire Ibadanland, on the loss of a revered traditional ruler, a statesman, and a symbol of peace, wisdom, and continuity.

President Tinubu mourns the Olubadan and celebrates his remarkable life of service to his people, the state, and the nation.

President Tinubu describes the late monarch as a highly accomplished man of peace, a public servant, and a royal father whose life embodies the highest ideals of leadership, learning, and service.

“Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was not only a custodian of Ibadan’s rich history and culture but also a man of intellect and principle whose contributions extended beyond the palace into education, governance, and national development. His passing is a significant loss to Ibadanland and the nation.

“Just last week, I received an invitation from the late Olubadan to his 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary celebrations. Shockingly, his death came days before the anniversary. He will be remembered for upholding the honour and prestige of his highly revered stool,” the President says.

Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale near Akanran in the present-day Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Olakulehin rose through the unique and time-honoured succession system of Ibadanland, which alternates between the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) lines.