Markets in Ibadanland were closed on Friday morning to honour the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who will be buried today (Friday).
The Babaloja General of Oyo State, Yekeen Abass, directed that all markets in the ancient city remain closed from 5 am to 12 noon.
He said the partial closure was to pay last respects to the 43rd Olubadan, who he described as a leader who maintained peace and created an enabling environment for traders and artisans in Ibadan.
“We will continue to remember the late monarch for his service to the country, Oyo State and Ibadanland,” Abass said, urging market leaders to ensure compliance with the directive.
Oba Olakulehin died on July 7, two days after his 90th birthday.
His funeral will take place at St Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.
The burial rites began on Thursday with a lying-in-state at Mapo Hall attended by members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Mogajis (family heads), religious leaders, traditional worshippers and other dignitaries.
Special adviser to governor Seyi Makinde on interfaith affairs, Femi Ibikunle, described the late monarch as a ruler who always had the people’s interest at heart, while the president of the Ibadan Mogajis, Asimiyu Ariori, said he left an indelible impact on the city.
On behalf of the family, the king’s first son, Sunmbo Owolabi, thanked all indigenes of Ibadan for their support and prayed for the continued growth of the city.
A Christian wake was held later on Thursday at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo.
