Updated: Late Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olakulehin laid to rest amidst tributes

By Adejayan Gbenga –

The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, was laid to rest on Friday in a solemn yet celebratory funeral service at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Aremo, Ibadan. The ceremony drew dignitaries, residents, and well-wishers who gathered to honour his life and legacy.

The Archbishop of Ibadan Province (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend Williams Aladekugbe, delivered the sermon, describing the late monarch as a beloved traditional ruler and a unifying figure for Ibadan.

Archbishop Aladekugbe reflected on Oba Olakulehin’s reign, praising his unwavering commitment to peace, unity, and the preservation of cultural heritage. He noted that his leadership was marked by compassion and wisdom, traits that endeared him to many.

“Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was more than a king; he was a father, a guide, and a beacon of hope,” the Archbishop said. “His dedication to the welfare of his people and his commitment to justice will forever be remembered.”

The clergyman also commended the monarch’s role in fostering dialogue and understanding among diverse groups in Ibadan, which helped maintain harmony in a rapidly changing society.

He urged attendees to celebrate the rich legacy Oba Olakulehin left behind—a legacy built on love, unity, and service—by embodying the values he championed during his lifetime.

The funeral service was described as a fitting tribute to a leader whose life was dedicated to the progress and unity of Ibadanland.

Prominent figures at the event included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, House of Representatives member Akin Alabi, and several traditional rulers.