The Olakulehin royal family has formally announced funeral arrangements for the late 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on Monday, July 7, at the age of 90 following a brief illness at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State.
In a statement signed by his first son, Olasunmbo Olakulehin, a state burial ceremony, approved by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, has been scheduled for Friday, August 8, beginning with a church service and interment at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan, at 10:00 am.
The revered monarch, a former military officer and respected political figure, ascended the throne in 2024 after the death of Oba Lekan Balogun.
Although his reign was brief, Oba Olakulehin was widely commended for his calm leadership and commitment to preserving Ibadan’s cultural legacy.
According to the family, commemorative events that were initially postponed due to a 21-day official mourning period will now precede the burial.
The activities will begin on Sunday, August 3, with the semi-finals of the Olubadan Olakulehin Football Cup at the Bishop Philips Academy Stadium at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
This will be followed by the preliminaries of the Olakulehin Table Tennis Tournament on Monday, August 4, at the Indoor Hall of Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, at 10:00 am.
On Tuesday, August 5, the football tournament will continue with the third-place match and final at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm respectively at the Olubadan Stadium.
The finals of the table tennis competition will be held on Wednesday, August 6, bringing the sports events to a close.
Before the Friday burial, the late monarch’s body will lie in state during an interfaith service at Mapo Hall on Thursday, August 7, at 10:00 am, followed by a Christian wake at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, at 3:00 pm.
A family thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, August 10, at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, at 10:00 am.
The royal family expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, the Olubadan-in-Council, traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, business moguls, corporate organisations, Ibadan indigenes and residents and the general public for their support and condolence messages.
Oba Olakulehin, who once served in the House of Representatives and as chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, was known for his unwavering dedication to peace and development.
His death marks the end of an era in Ibadanland, with preparations underway for the selection of his successor under the city’s unique chieftaincy system.
