The ancient city of Ibadan on Thursday continued to receive a wave of condolence and congratulatory visits following the demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, and the emergence of the Otun Olubadan and former Governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, as the Olubadan-Designate.
The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, joined the growing list of traditional and institutional mourners, as he sent a powerful delegation to the Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo. The Soun’s representatives included the Asiwaju of Ogbomoso, retired General Oladayo Popoola, and the Abese of Ogbomoso, Chief James Oladipo. They were received by the Maye Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi, a former Press Secretary to then-Colonel Oladayo Popoola during his military governorship of old Oyo State.
Speaking through Chief Oladipo, the Soun extolled the virtues of the late Oba Olakulehin, describing him as a monarch who lived an exemplary and impactful life. He commended the people of Ibadan for maintaining a peaceful and orderly chieftaincy succession process. Oba Olaoye also expressed optimism that the age-long relationship between Ogbomoso and Ibadan would flourish further under the incoming Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
In a similar vein, a high-powered delegation from the Iyalode line in Ibadan, led by Osi Iyalode Chief Mrs. Yewande Durosaro, paid a condolence visit to the Palace. The group included prominent women leaders such as two-time minister Chief Mrs. Nike Akande, Chief Mrs. Kudi Adeleke, Chief Mrs. Moji Ladipo, Chief Mrs. Tawa Sharafadeen Alli, Chief Mrs. Folake Akande, Dr. Mrs. Ayo Alaga, and Chief Mrs. Onibiyo Scott.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Chief Nike Akande paid glowing tribute to the late monarch, describing him as a pride to humanity and a revered royal figure. They also congratulated Oba Ladoja on his ascension and prayed for his reign to bring progress, peace, and prosperity to Ibadanland.
Also visiting the Palace was a team from the Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism, led by Commissioner Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun. They came to both mourn the departed monarch and felicitate with the incoming one.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, also sent its delegation led by Chairman, Senior Apostle Akinyemiju. In his remarks, Apostle Akinyemiju lauded the late Olubadan’s role in Nigeria’s unity and described the Ibadan traditional succession model as second to none. He hailed Oba Ladoja as a business icon, seasoned politician, and veteran public administrator, praying for long life, strength, and wisdom for his reign.
In yet another visit, over 100 Baales and community leaders across Ibadan gathered to honour the memory of Oba Olakulehin. Led by the Chairman of the Ibadan Council of Baales, Chief Olunde Ige, the delegation also congratulated Oba Ladoja, wishing him a long and impactful reign.
Chief Ige disclosed that the Baales originally planned a celebratory visit to mark the late Olubadan’s 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary, only for the visit to become a solemn tribute following his passing. He praised the late monarch for his distinguished service as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland and prayed for the continued peace and progress of the city.
The Baales were received on behalf of the Olubadan-Designate by Ekerin Olubadan, Oba Hamidu Ajibade; Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Adewoyin; Maye Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi; Areago Olubadan, Chief Kola Gbadamosi; Aregbe Omo Balogun, Chief Taofeek Adegoke; and other high-ranking chiefs and Mogajis.
