Mr Olasumbo Owolabi, the eldest son of the late Olubadan of Ibadan, has said his father left lasting legacies of a life well-lived and worthy of celebration.
Olasunmbo stated this during the family announcement of the Oba’s demise at the private residence of the traditional ruler on Monday in Ibadan.
Olasunmbo, represented by the former Commissioner for Information in Oyo State, Mr Toye Arulogun, said his father made significant impacts and landmark achievements while he lived.
He said that the endeavours of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, cut across politics, business, military career and traditional matters.
“We are not mourning because it is a double celebration of his 90th birthday and glorious passing to eternal glory. We also give glory to God because he left enduring legacies for the family,” he said.
The family announcement was preceded by the palace traditional talking drum final display, signifying the end of the late Oba’s era.
Olakulehin, who ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, barely two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.
His reign followed that of Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.
Emir of Ilorin mourns Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin
Meanwhile, the Emir of Ilorin and Chairman, Kwara Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari has mourned the death of Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on Monday.
This is contained in a condolence message issued by the Emir’s Spokesman, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona and made available to NAN in Ilorin on Monday.
Oba Olakulehin died in Ibadan at the age of 90. The Emir described the death of Oba Olakulehin as the will of Almighty Allah.
He noted that the one year reign of the deceased was peaceful and valuable to the sustenance of the cultural heritage and tradition of the people of Ibadan and Oyo State in general.
Sulu-Gambari commiserated with the immediate and extended family members of Oba Olakulehin, Olubadan-In-Council, Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council, government and good people of Oyo State over the unfortunate incidence.
He prayed to God for the repose the soul of the deceased and to give the people of the ancient city of Ibadan and humanity at large, the patience to bear the great loss.
Oba Olakulehin’s memory will remain evergreen – Oyo CAN
Similarly, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter, has said that the memory of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, woould be evergreen.
The late Olakulehin died on Monday morning barely two days after his 90th birthday.
The CAN Chairman in the state, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, in his condolence message made available to newsmen in Ibadan, said the news of the royal father’s demise was shocking and sad.
Akinyemiju described the deceased as a graceful leader with a heart full of compassion, who stood tall as a harbinger of inclusiveness and fatherhood.
“Kabiyesi was a devout Christian and had been a powerful force in every of his subjects’ life, imparting strong values and generosity.
“He had always been the most involved and committed father to all.
“During his reign, he ensured that all residents within his domain enjoyed very peaceful co-existence.
“Ibadan land and environs similarly witnessed unprecedented development, the traditional institution in the land also experienced transformation that has moved the institution to greater height,” he said.
The Oyo CAN chairman emphasised that Olakulehin’s departure is certainly an irreparable loss.
“However, our consolation is that he lived well, a life full of legacies, dedicated to the service of God and humanity.
“Baba was there for the unity of the Country when he fought gallantly as a military officer during the Nigerian civil war.
“Undoubtedly, Kabiyesi remains the signature of love, kindness and template for commitment in the things of God and the progress of the state.
“The Body of Christ in Oyo State commiserates with the good people of Oyo State, the Olubadan in Council, the State Government and Kabiyesi’s immediate family on this great loss.
“For our beloved Kabiyesi, the song is ended, but the melody lingers on forever.
“May God repose his soul and grant fortitude to all mourners to bear the irreparable loss; adieu Kabiyesi,” Akinyemiju said.
Olubadan’s death monumental loss – Senator Alli
Also, Sen. Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has described the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, as a monumental loss to Ibadanland and the nation at large.
Alli, in a statement he signed in Ibadan on Monday, expressed deep sorrow over the demise of the royal father, describing him as a symbol of wisdom, peace and continuity.
According to him, the Oba’s brief but impactful reign brought renewed dignity and strength to the Ibadan traditional institution.
Alli, who is also the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, commended Olakunlehin’s commitment to the service of Ibadanland, noting that he ascended the throne at a critical time.
He said that the late Oba offered fatherly guidance and much-needed stability.
“As the senator representing Oyo South and as Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland, I join the entire Ibadanland in mourning the departure of a rare royal figure.
“Kabiyesi’s humility, clarity of purpose, and love for his people will remain etched in the memory of those privileged to know and serve with him,” he said.
Alli extended his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo State Government, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and the people of Ibadanland.
He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant the late royal father eternal rest and comfort to the bereaved family.
Olubadan was a beacon of wisdom, custodian of Yoruba culture – ADC
The African Democratic Congress (ADC), has mourned Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, describing him as a beacon of wisdom and a custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions.
The Interim National Publicity Secretary of ADC, Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, in a statement on Monday in Abuja, described Olakulehin’s death as ‘a loss of a great icon’, whose life exemplified service, humility, and dedication to the development of his people.
He expressed the party’s condolences to the family of the deceased, the government of Oyo, the people of Ibadanland, and the entire Yoruba nation, over the passing of Olubadan who joined his ancestors at the age of 90.
“Oba Olakulehin was a distinguished royal father, a beacon of wisdom, and a custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions.
“His reign was marked by exemplary leadership, unity, and a commitment to the progress and well-being of Ibadanland.
“His legacy as a peace-loving and visionary king will forever be etched in the hearts of his people and beyond,” he said.
Abdullahi prayed that the Almighty God grant the Olakulehin’s family, the Ibadan Traditional Council, and the people of Oyo State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“May the soul of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, rest in perfect peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire generations,’’ Abdullahi said.
The late Oba Olakulehin, who celebrated his 90th birthday on July 5, died in the early hours of Monday.