PHOTO FILE: Governor Seyi Makinde (right) and son of the late Olubadan, Sumbo Olakulehin, during the burial service at St Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan. Credit: Ademola Adegbite

The 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, was on Friday laid to rest with full military honours at St Peter’s Cathedral Church, Aremo, in Ibadan, Oyo State. The ceremony, attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, top military officers, political leaders, and dignitaries, marked the final farewell to the monarch, who passed on July 7, 2025.

Oba Olakulehin, a retired Major in the Nigerian Army, was honoured with ceremonial gun salutes and the presentation of the national flag in recognition of his military service.

Delivering the sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, urged Nigerians to live responsibly and avoid judging others hastily, reminding all that “we will give account to our Creator.” He criticised politicians advocating for a single term ahead of the 2027 elections, describing such promises as “a scam” and evidence of desperation.

The cleric faulted leaders for prioritising political manoeuvring over governance, lamenting the economic hardship, rising insecurity, and recent hikes in telecommunications tariffs. He called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to urgently address worsening insecurity and the daily loss of lives to violent crimes.

Eulogising the late monarch, Aladekugbe described him as “a leader of grace with a heart full of compassion,” noting that his reign brought peace, development, and transformation to Ibadanland.

The burial was graced by the 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; members of the Olubadan-in-Council led by Oba Tajudeen Ajibola; the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes; Mogajis; Baales; military personnel; and operatives of Amotekun.