The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye today in Ibadan, mourned the passing of the departed Olubadan of Ibadanland, late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin in a delegation comprising Asiwaju of Ogbomoso, Rtd General Oladayo Popoola and Abese of Ogbomoso, Chief James Oladipo to Oke Aremo, Ibadan Palace
The monarch also used the medium to congratulate Otun Olubadan and former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan.
The delegates who were received on arrival by Maye Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi who was erstwhile Press Secretary to the old Oyo State Military Governor, then Col. Oladayo Popoola while extolling the virtues of late Oba Olakulehin for leading an exemplary life.
The Soun, who spoke through Chief Oladipo, commended the people of Ibadan over their rancour-free, and seamless chieftaincy transition system.
The first class monarch expressed the hope that with the emergence of Oba Ladoja, the relationship between Ibadan and Ogbomoso would get better.
Also in the same vein, the delegation from Ibadan Iyalode line paid a condolence visit in a delegation of Osi Iyalode; Chief Mrs Yewande Durosaro, two times 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, Chief Mrs Onibiyo Scott made up the delegation.
The spokesman of Iyalode Ibadan, Chief Mrs Nike Akande paid a glowing tribute to the memory of the departed monarch, saying “Oba Olakulehin was a pride to the human race”. They also congratulated the incoming Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, praying that he will live longer to take Ibadan to the next level.
The Oyo State Ministry of Culture and Tourism members led by Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, the Commissioner also visited the Palace to mourn the late Oba Olakulehin and congratulate the incoming Olubadan.
Also,the executives of Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN,Oyo State chapter led by its chairman, Senior Apostle Akinyemiju paid condolence and congratulatory visits According to CAN Chairman, “Baba Olakulehin served Nigeria and fought for her unity and indivisible before becoming Olubadan”. Describing Ibadan tradition and culture as unrivalled, the CAN chairman congratulated the seamless chieftaincy transition system. He described the incoming Olubadan as a business titan,remarkable politician and veteran public administrator who cuts across different strata of the society. They prayed to God to give him a long life, sound mind, and good health to carry out his obligations to Ibadan people.
Over 100 Baales and community leaders earlier in Ibadan mourned the passing of the departed Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The delegation led by the chairman of Ibadan Council of Baales, Chief Olunde Ige also congratulated the Olubadan- Designate,Oba Rashidi Ladoja, praying God to give him long life, sound mind, good health and wisdom to steer the affairs of Ibadanland.
According to Chief Olunde, the original plan of the Baales was to come and celebrate with the late Olubadan on his 90th birthday and impending 1st Coronation anniversary. He said that the Palace authorities had scheduled them for Wednesday only to discover that what was planned to be a purely ceremonial visit has turned to a condolence visit. He described the departed monarch as a man of many parts who gave a good account of himself as the 43rd Olubadan. While praying for the repose of Oba Olakulehin, they prayed for continued peace and progress of Ibadanland.
They were received on behalf of the Olubadan-Designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja 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, other Chiefs and Mogajis.
Signed
Adeola Oloko.
