By Peter Omopo
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was on Friday laid to rest with full military honours at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, Oyo State.
Governor Seyi Makinde, top military officers, traditional rulers, political leaders, and dignitaries from across the country gathered to pay their last respects to the 43rd Olubadan, who died on July 7, 2025.
Representing the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Olufemi Oluyede, the General Officer Commanding 2 Mechanised Division, Maj Gen Obina Onubogwu, led the military rites in honour of the late monarch, a retired Nigerian Army Major. The ceremony included the presentation of the national flag and ceremonial gun salutes.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan North Diocese, Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, urged Nigerians to live with integrity and accountability, quoting from 2 Corinthians 5:10. He cautioned against judging others unfairly and warned politicians to focus on governance rather than the 2027 elections.
He criticised aspirants promising a single term in office, describing such pledges as deceptive, and lamented rising hardship despite claims of economic stability. Aladekugbe also condemned recent increases in telecommunications tariffs amid soaring prices and widespread poverty, saying they reflected insensitivity to the plight of citizens.
“To talk about 2027 now is a disgrace to governance. It’s an abuse of the people’s mandate,” he said, urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise security and halt the spate of killings from banditry, herdsmen attacks, and other violent crimes.
Paying tribute to Oba Olakulehin, the cleric described him as a compassionate leader who fostered peace, development, and transformation of traditional institutions during his reign.
Among those present were Oyo State Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor Ahmed Gbadamosi; former Minister of Steel and Power Wole Oyelese; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) Taofeek Arapaja; the Olubadan-in-Council led by Balogun of Ibadanland Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes led by President-General Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; Mogajis, Baales, military personnel, and Amotekun operatives.
