Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has promised that the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be given a befitting burial.
Makinde made the promise on Monday when he received a delegation from the late monarch’s family, including Bayo Oyero, a former president-general of the central council of Ibadan indigenes; Osuolale Olakulehin, a younger brother of the late king; and Aremo Owolabi, the monarch’s son.
The governor said, “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 of time.
“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will definitely stand by the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial.
“I ask all 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.”
Speaking earlier, Oyero thanked Makinde for approving Oba Olakulehin’s elevation despite the controversy surrounding his emergence.
He said, “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, who passed away early this morning.
“We thank you very sincerely. In spite of the controversy before he ascended the throne, you still approved his elevation to the imperial throne of Ibadanland.
“We want to thank your government for all you have done, including the remarkable and historic coronation ceremony the government organised for him.”
Oba Olakulehin, who ascended the throne in July 2024 after the death of Oba Lekan Balogun, died on Monday, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.
The monarch had earlier served in the Nigerian Army and later in the House of Representatives during Nigeria’s Third Republic. He was crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland after a delay over concerns about his health.
Governor Makinde had in 2024 approved his appointment as Olubadan despite the earlier uncertainty surrounding his fitness to rule.
The Oyo State Government is expected to work with the Olubadan-in-Council to finalise burial arrangements for the monarch, who was widely respected in Ibadan for his service.
