Thirty-two days after his passing, the remains of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, has been laid to rest in Ibadan. This followed a dignified funeral service filled with traditional rites, Christian hymns, and heartfelt tributes.
The funeral, held at the Cathedral of Saint Peter’s Church in Aremo was a solemn yet culturally rich occasion, as the people of Ibadan and dignitaries from across Nigeria gathered to pay their last respects to the 43rd Olubadan, a monarch who reigned for less than a year but left a lasting impression on his people.
The service began with a ceremonial reception of the late monarch’s body by personnel of the Nigerian Army, acknowledging his early service in the armed forces. The church premises reverberated with the soulful tributes of the Akéwì Ọba, the royal praise singer, who eulogised the king with deep cultural metaphors, evoking emotions among mourners.
Presiding over the service, the Archbishop of the Ibadan Province (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Williams Aladekugbe, described Oba Olakulehin as a unifying force, whose short reign was anchored in peace, cultural preservation, and compassion for his people.
“He served his people with sincerity, humility, and a deep sense of duty. Even in a brief reign, he demonstrated what it means to be a father to all,” the Archbishop noted in his homily.
After the church service, the late monarch was laid to rest in the cemetery of the cathedral, where he had worshipped during his lifetime.
As a final tribute, soldiers performed a ceremonial salute, honouring both his military background and his royal stature.
Present at the state funeral were an array of notable figures, including Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, former Deputy Governor, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, House of Representatives member Akin Alabi, alongside commissioners, lawmakers, and traditional rulers from across the state.
Condolence messages also poured in from President Bola Tinubu, the Oyo State Government, and various traditional institutions, all recognising Oba Olakulehin’s invaluable role in promoting peace, tradition, and stability in Ibadanland.
Born on July 5, 1935, and joining his ancestors on July 7, 2025, Oba Olakulehin’s final journey was a reminder of his quiet strength, dignity, and the deep cultural reverence reserved for the Olubadan stool.
