The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was on Friday laid to rest with full military honours at St Peter’s Cathedral Church, Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Dignitaries, including Governor Seyi Makinde; the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede (represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Mechanised Division, Maj Gen Obina Onubogwu); and other eminent Nigerians, paid glowing tributes to the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7, 2025.
A retired Major in the Nigerian Army, the late monarch received ceremonial gun salutes and the presentation of the national flag as part of the final rites befitting his military service.
Delivering the sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, urged the congregation to live responsibly and avoid passing judgement without full knowledge of situations. Citing 2 Corinthians 5:10, he reminded all that “we will give account to our Creator.”
The cleric criticised politicians advocating for single-term bids in the 2027 elections, describing the move as a political scam and a mark of desperation.
He also decried the country’s economic hardship, rising telecommunications tariffs, and worsening insecurity, accusing leaders of prioritising political ambitions over governance.
“To talk about 2027 now is a disgrace to governance,” he said. “It’s an abuse of the people’s mandate and a reckless disregard for the concerns of the people.”
Aladekugbe lauded the late Olubadan as “a leader of grace with a heart full of compassion,” noting that his reign brought peace, development, and transformation to Ibadanland.
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Also present at the burial were Oyo State Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal, and other notable personalities.
