Chief Ademola Aremu has called for the celebration of the enduring legacy of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, rather than mourning his passage.
Aremu, the Asiwaju Atunluse of Ibadan, stated this in a condolence message to the people of Ibadanland over the demise of the 43rd Olubadan.
He said the late Oba Olakulehin bequeathed to the people of Ibadanland an enduring legacy of peace and respect for Ibadan tradition during his short reign.
He however added that the demise of the first Ibadan traditional ruler was a great loss to the Ibadan metropolis, given his attributes of fearlessness, fair play and justice.
Chief Aremu, from the Aliiwo Ruling House, expressed a shock at the passage of Oba Olakulehin, in view of the fact that he was just celebrated, last weekend, on his 90th birthday and as arrangement were on for the celebration of his first coronation anniversary.
“Despite the fact that our revered father was well advanced in age in the contemporary context, the thinking and wish was that he would still be around us for some more years to come for us to benefit and enjoy him.
“But, as believers, we can’t query our creator on any of His decisions. Rather, we should express gratitude to Him for giving unto Ibadan a monarch of immense goodwill, discipline and love who used his little period on the throne to advance the core Ibadan values of peaceful coexistence and love,” he added.
The Ibadan chief condoled the immediate members of family of the late Olubadan and urged them not to mourn, but to celebrate the passing of Oba Olakulehin because of the good name and a legacy of forthrightness, respect for Ibadan tradition and peace he left behind.
Aremu also extended his condolence to Ibadan sons and daughters, both at home and in the Diaspora, charging them not to be too sad on the short period spent on the throne by Oba Olakuleyin, but to be cheerful and celebrate the peace and love that pervaded the metropolis during his short time.
The Asiwaju Atunluse of Ibadanland also asked that prayers be offered for the family and Ibadanland in general, while they should not forget the incoming Olubadan, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, that his own period too would be remarkable and bring further progress and development to the ancient metropolis.
Aremu equally congratulated Oba Ladoja, who is set to succeed Oba Olakulehin by Ibadan tradition. He prayed that the Almighty Allah would bless him with good health and long life to make his own contributions to the growth and development of Ibadanland.
The late Oba Akinloye Owolabi Ige Olakulehin I mounted the Olubadan throne as the 43rd occupant on 11 July 2024 following the demise of his predecessor, Oba Dr. Sen. Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II, who reigned from 11 March, 2022 to 14 March, 2024.
