The Ooni of Ife and Natural Father of the Oduduwa race worldwide, His Imperial Majesty Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, CFR, Ojaja II, has paid deep tribute to the life and legacy of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined the ranks of the revered ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025.
In a statement released by Otunba Moses Olafare, Director of Media and Public Affairs at the Ooni’s Palace, the Ooni described the late monarch as a beacon of tradition, whose brief yet impactful reign brought honour, stability, and cultural pride to the ancient city of Ibadan.
Ooni Ogunwusi, who also serves as the Permanent Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Traditional Rulers Council, noted that Oba Olakulehin’s transition, which followed closely after the celebration of his 90th birthday, has stirred reflections across the Oduduwa world on the significance of royal service rooted in discipline, humility, and ancestral responsibility.
“Oba Olakulehin was the embodiment of royal dignity and cultural depth. His journey to the throne, from Balogun Olubadan to Olubadan, was marked by a lifetime of honourable service and deep-rooted commitment to the Yoruba ethos,” the Ooni stated.
He further highlighted the late monarch’s contributions to Yoruba unity and inter-traditional cooperation, noting that during his time, the ties between the thrones of Oduduwa and Olubadan were not only cordial but enriched by mutual respect and collaborative wisdom.
“His voice carried weight and ancestral grace during inter-council deliberations. He stood firmly for peace, heritage preservation, and the collective strength of Yoruba traditional leadership,” the Ooni affirmed.
Describing Oba Olakulehin as a distinguished custodian of heritage, Ooni Ogunwusi emphasized that his reign, though brief, will be remembered for its steady guidance and unifying presence.
“As we reflect on the close of a significant chapter in Ibadanland, we also celebrate a life that upheld the values of patience, royal duty, and service to the people. His memory will endure as a symbol of wisdom and elder statesmanship,” he said.
On behalf of the entire Oduduwa family, the Ooni extended heartfelt royal greetings and solidarity to the royal household of the late monarch, the Olubadan-in-Council, the people of Ibadanland, and the government of Oyo State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, who formally presented the staff of office to Oba Olakulehin in July 2024.
While offering traditional royal prayers, the Ooni affirmed that the Oduduwa throne shares in the moment of reverent remembrance, and stands beside Ibadanland as it honours the journey of a revered king now united with the ancestors.
“May his spirit find rest among the forebears who once walked this sacred path. His voice, his wisdom, and his leadership will continue to echo across Yorubaland. Orun re o, Kabiyesi.”