• Tinubu, Makinde, Sultan lead tributes
• Well wishers throng Ladoja’s family house
Ibadan, the sprawling former headquarters of Western Nigeria, stood still yesterday, following the passage of Oba Fredrick Owolabi Olakulehin.
The revered monarch joined his ancestors three days after his 90th birthday and seven days before his first coronation anniversary.
Tributes poured in from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, Sultan of Sokoto Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar,
Emir of Ilorin Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari and many others.
Recovering from initial shock, many well-wishers thronged the Bodija home and family house of Otun-Olubadan Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the presumed successor in line with the time-tested Ibadan tradition.
Oba Ladoja was not on hand tom receive them.
He is believed to be out of the country.
Many others flocked to the palace of the departed Oba.
They were no mourning but instead, a celebration of his life.
There were groups of talking drummers in both places.
Radio and television stations in the ancient city suspended their regular programmes to focus on the situation in the city.
A statement by former Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Toye Arulogun, which announced the exit of the Oba, said: “With utmost and profound gratitude to the Almighty God, on behalf of the Ige Olakulehin family, I announce the passing on of H.I.M Oba (Dr) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin. Kabiyesi, who joined his ancestors in the early hours of today.
“We are not mourning the passage of the monarch but celebrating his life. He lived an impactful life throughout his 90-year life journey.
“From his military career, to business, to politics and his ascension to the throne a year ago, Kabiyesi demonstrated exceptional qualities worthy of emulation.
‘’The family will give periodic updates as developments unfold.”
Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village near Akanran in Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Oba Olakulehin was a man of academic distinction.
A holder of a master’s degree in administration and economics, he pursued a doctoral degree, becoming a respected scholar and lecturer at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
He was widely known for his intellectual discipline, principled stance, and rejection of sycophancy, preferring progressive scholarship rooted in accountability and truth.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led leaders, including Governor Makinde, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade and Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Kolapo Sulu Gambari, in paying tribute to the departed soldier, university teacher, businessman and former politician, who presided over a peaceful era.
A few hours after the monarch’s passage was announced, well-wishers thronged the Bodija residence of his successor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, to congratulate him for an imminent orderly succession.
Makinde is set to make history as the first elected governor to install three Olubadans in a row, having previously presented staff of office to the late Oba Balogun and Oba Saliu Adetunji.
Tinubu mourns
President Tinubu expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Olubadan, whom he described as a beacon of peace, wisdom and public service.
The President, in a condolence message by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, extended his sympathies to the royal family, the government and people of Oyo State as well as the wider Yoruba nation.
Tinubu described the late monarch as “a symbol of peace, wisdom, and continuity.”
He said: “Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was not only a custodian of Ibadan’s rich history and culture, but also a man of intellect and principle whose contributions extended beyond the palace into education, governance, and national development.”
The President said he had recently received an invitation to the monarch’s 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary celebration, which was tragically cut short by his sudden demise.
“Shockingly, his demise came days before the anniversary. He will be remembered for upholding the honour and prestige of his highly revered stool,” he added.
President Tinubu described the late Olubadan as a “highly accomplished man of peace” whose life exemplified the ideals of leadership, service, and learning.
He noted that his reign, though relatively short, was impactful and symbolised a bridge between tradition and modern governance.
The President further praised the monarch’s role in preserving the unique Ibadan traditional succession system, which alternates between the Otun and the Balogun lines — a hallmark of the city’s political stability and cultural identity.
“His wisdom and moral authority served as a stabilising force in Ibadanland and the wider Yoruba nation,” Tinubu said.
Makinde: Oyo will give befitting burial
Makinde, who received a delegation from the monarch’s family in his office, said the state government would give the monarch a befitting burial.
The delegation comprised the former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero; the younger brother of the deceased, and his son, Mr Osuolale Olakulehin and Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.
Makinde 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.
“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will stay with the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial.
“I will ask all the 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.”
Chief Oyero, who led the delegation, said: “We are here this morning with gratitude to God and to formally inform you of the passing away of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Frederick Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, who passed away early this(yesterday) morning.
“We thank you very sincerely. Despite the controversial situation we had before he ascended the throne, you still approved his ascension to the imperial throne of Ibadanland.
“We want to thank your government for all you have done, including a remarkable, historic coronation ceremony, which the government did for him.”
A great loss, say Adeleke, Sultan, Emir of Ilorin:
Osun State Governor Adeleke described the Olubadan’s exit as a loss, not only to Ibadan, but to the entire Yoruba race.
He said in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, that although Oba Olakulehin’s reign was brief, it was marked by dignity, wisdom, and an unwavering commitment to the progress and unity of the people of Ibadanland.
He added: “Oba Olakulehin was a traditional ruler of profound wisdom and grace. Even within a short reign, he embodied the virtues of Yoruba royalty’s calm leadership, cultural pride, and unwavering love for his people.”
Adeleke, who said the monarch’s demise marked the end of a remarkable chapter in the traditional institution of Ibadanland, added that he left a legacy of selfless service, courage, and peace.
“Oba Olakulehin, even in his final days, remained a symbol of continuity, cultural wisdom, and royal honour.
“His transition is a great loss, not only to the throne of Ibadanland but to the Yoruba people whose values he dutifully upheld.
“May God comfort the people of Ibadan and grant the late traditional ruler eternal rest among his forebears,” the governor added.
Also, Sultan of Sokoto and Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN), His Eminence Sa’ad Abubakar, expressed deep sorrow over the death of the Olubadan.
In a condolence message by the Secretary of the Sultanate Council, Alhaji Sai’idu Maccido, the Sultan described the late monarch as a “remarkable leader and good-hearted giant in thought and action,” whose brief but impactful reign left an indelible mark on Ibadan and Nigeria at large.
Sultan Abubakar extended sympathies to the Oyo State Government, the royal family and members of the Olubadan-in-Council, noting that Oba Olakulehin’s contributions to the development of Ibadan Land and humanity will not be forgotten.
“The passing of this great monarch leaves a void that will be felt across the land,” the Sultan stated. “Even though he was with us for just a year beyond his ascension to the throne, his legacy and dedication to his people will forever resound in the hearts and minds of everyone,” he said.
In Ilorin, the Emir and Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Rulers Council, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari, described Oba Olakulehin’s demise as a great loss.
He, however, added that it is the will of God.
The traditional ruler said in a statement by his spokesman, Abdulazeez Arowona, that the one-year reign of the Olubadan 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, the Olubadan-In-Council, Oyo State Traditional Rulers Council, government and people of Oyo State over the incident.
He prayed to God for the repose of the soul of the deceased and the patience to bear the great loss by the people of Ibadan.
Alaafin: a good heart stops beating
The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Owoade, sympathised with the royal family in a condolence message by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye.
He described the late Olubadan as a visionary monarch, stressing that his contributions to the development of Ibadanland within his short reign would remain indelible.
Oba Owoade said, “A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul ascended to heaven. We part with our beloved Monach in pain. May our Lord bless and comfort the entire Royal family during this time of grief.
“No human being has ever been granted immortality, and every creature is bound to die, and whatever has a beginning will certainly have an end.
“If God’s messenger (peace be upon him) will die, could they be granted life everlasting? Since they cannot hope to live forever, why do they not behave like ones who will inevitably taste death? Why do they not reflect and contemplate?
“Every soul shall taste death. This is the law that governs life. It has no exceptions or exemptions. The living, then, must take this into account and prepare themselves for it. This short journey on Earth is bound to come to an end, and its end is the death of every living thing.
“All shall return to God. But whatever happens to us during this trip through life, whether good or bad, is meant as a test: We test you all with evil and good by way of trial.”
He added: “As dedicated, committed, resilient, large-hearted and amiable as the late Monarch, when death came knocking at his door at 90 years, he was powerless as he could stop death before it snuffed life out of him.”
Oyo Speaker expresses shock
The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, expressed sorrow over the demise.
He described the news of the revered monarch’s demise as “a heartbreaking twist of fate,” recalling the recent joyful tributes he extended in his honour during his birthday.
Ogundoyin said: “Just two days ago, we were offering prayers of thanksgiving for a glorious 90th year. Today, we bow our heads in mourning, grappling with the sudden departure of a royal father whose presence was a beacon of tradition, unity, and wisdom in Ibadanland.”
The Speaker noted that the Olubadan’s life was a radiant testament to selfless leadership and unwavering devotion to Ibadan’s sociocultural heritage.
He said Oba Olakulehin’s reign was characterised by peace, dignity, and the strengthening of traditional values across the state.
The Speaker extended his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the royal family, Ibadan indigenes both at home and abroad, as well as the Government of Oyo State.
Ogundoyin emphasised that though the monarch has physically departed, his legacy would echo across generations.
He added: “In just 48 hours, we moved from celebration to sorrow, but such is the tapestry of life. Kabiyesi lived a full, impactful life. And though our hearts are heavy, we give thanks for the decades he dedicated to the throne and to the people. May the soul of our dearly beloved Olubadan rest eternally in peace.”
Well-wishers storm Ladoja’s residence
Well-wishers stormed the Bodija residence of the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, a few hours after the death of Oba Olakulehin.
According to the Ibadan tradition of orderly succession, Oba Ladoja is expected to be installed after the funeral of the departed monarch.
Ladoja, a Third Republic senator and former governor (2003–2006), holds the highest rank in the civil line.
His wealth of experience, commitment to preserving Ibadan’s cultural heritage, and fostering unity have earned him widespread respect.
Born on September 25, 1944, Ladoja had a long and illustrious career, making him a strong candidate for the throne.
The Olubadan succession process involves confirmation by the Olubadan-in-Council, approval from the Oyo State Government, and a formal coronation.
This structured system has ensured stability and minimised disputes in Ibadan traditional rulership. The process is designed to guarantee a seamless transition of power, and Oba Ladoja’s ascension is expected to follow this well-established tradition.
As Otun Olubadan, Oba Ladoja has played a significant role in the Olubadan-in-Council, demonstrating his leadership abilities and dedication to the traditional institution.
His experience as governor of Oyo State has also given him a unique perspective on governance, which could benefit the traditional institution.
If Ladoja ascends the throne, the Balogun line would produce the next Olubadan after his reign, continuing the alternating pattern that has characterised Ibadan traditional rulership.
This system has worked well over the years, ensuring that power is distributed fairly and that each line has an opportunity to produce a monarch.
The installation of a new Olubadan is a significant event in Ibadanland, and the process is expected to be carried out with the utmost dignity and respect for tradition.
Governor Makinde will play a crucial role in confirming Ladoja’s ascension and ensuring a smooth transition.
With his distinguished background and role in the Olubadan-in-Council, Ladoja is well-positioned to lead Ibadanland into a new era.
His ascension is expected to strengthen stability and continuity in the traditional institution.
