Ibadan mourns as Alaafin sends tribute to late Olubadan

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has sympathised with the family of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away.

Oba Olakulehin died on Monday, July 7, 2025, just about a year after becoming the Olubadan of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.

In his message, the Alaafin, through his media director Bode Durojaiye, described the late Olubadan as a visionary king who worked hard for the progress of Ibadan and its people.

He said, “Prayers and good memories are what we have left of our beloved royal father. A good heart has stopped beating, and a good soul has gone to heaven. We part with him in pain. May God bless and comfort the royal family in this time of grief.”

Oba Owoade added that no one lives forever and every living thing must die one day. He said, “This is the law of life with no exceptions.

We should all remember that our time on Earth will end one day. Death comes to everyone, no matter how good or strong they are.”

He prayed for the family to be strong, saying, “A good soul has passed away, and a good ruler has gone to heaven. We pray that God gives the family comfort and peace during this difficult time.”