Ooni Mourns Olubadan, Says Yorubaland Has Lost A Stabilising Force

The Ooni of Ife and natural head of the Oduduwa race, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

He described him as a “beacon of tradition” and an enduring symbol of Yoruba heritage.

Oba Olakulehin, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday, is being mourned by traditional institutions and the wider Oduduwa nation for a reign that, though brief, left an indelible mark.

In a condolence message issued on Monday, Ooni Ogunwusi, who also serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, recalled Oba Olakulehin’s leadership with deep reverence, describing him as a monarch who embodied discipline, humility, and decades of dedicated service to his people.

“His transition saddens the entire Oduduwa race globally. Though short, his reign brought grace, wisdom, and peace to Ibadanland,” the Ooni said.

He lauded the late monarch’s lifelong contributions to the preservation of Yoruba culture, promotion of unity among traditional rulers, and his role in fostering peace among subjects.

As Balogun Olubadan and later as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin was praised for discharging his duties with honour, earning respect across Yorubaland.

The Ooni recalled the warm and respectful relationship between the Olubadan stool and the throne of Oduduwa during Oba Olakulehin’s reign, noting the late king’s impactful voice during inter-council meetings and his deep commitment to collaborative leadership among Yoruba monarchs.

“Oba Olakulehin was not only a symbol of tradition but also a stabilising force. His death marks the end of an era, not only for Ibadan but for the entire Yoruba nation,” the Ooni stated.

He extended heartfelt condolences to the late monarch’s family, the Olubadan-in-Council, the people of Ibadanland, and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, under whose administration Oba Olakulehin received the staff of office in July 2024.

Oba Ogunwusi called on all Yoruba sons and daughters to honour the memory of the departed king, whose life, he said, stood as a testament to patience, service, and unwavering loyalty to culture and tradition.

As the Yoruba nation mourns the passing of one of its revered monarchs, the Ooni assured the people of Ibadan that the throne of Oduduwa shares in their grief and stands in solidarity with them during this period of mourning.

“May the soul of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin find eternal rest among our noble ancestors. Yorubaland will miss his wisdom, his voice, and his fatherly leadership,” the Ooni concluded. “Orun re o, Kabiyesi.”