Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has mourned the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The revered traditional ruler died in Ibadan in the early hours of Monday, according to a family source.
Hours after the monarch’s demise, the governor said the state government would ensure that the late king was given a befitting burial.
“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will stay with the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial,” Makinde said while receiving a delegation from the family.
Other members of the delegation included the former president-general of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero; the younger brother of the deceased Olubadan, Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin; and the son of the deceased, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.
“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.
“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,” Makinde said.
Speaking earlier, Oyero told the governor, “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.”
Oba Olakulehin celebrated his 90th birthday anniversary on July 5 and ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland a year ago.
