The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, has expressed profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin.
Olakulehin, died early Monday morning, barely two days after his 90th birthday.
In a statement on Monday, Ogundoyin described the news of the death of the revered monarch’s demise as “a heartbreaking twist of fate”.
He recalled the recent joyful tributes he extended to the Olubadan on the nonagenarian birthday on July 5.
“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 said.
Ogundoyin said that the Olubadan’s life was a radiant testament to selfless leadership and unwavering devotion to Ibadan’s sociocultural heritage.
He praised Oba Olakulehin’s reign as one marked 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, the entire Ibadan indigenes both at home and abroad, and the government of Oyo State.
Ogundoyin emphasised that though the monarch has physically departed, his legacy would echo across generations.
“In just 48 hours, we moved from celebration to sorrow, but such is the tapestry of life. Kabiyesi lived a full, impactful life.
“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,” he said. (NAN)
