The Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, on Thursday mourned the passing of the departed Olubadan of Ibadanland, late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The monarch, who sent a delegation comprising the Asiwaju of Ogbomoso, General Oladayo Popoola(rtd) and the Abese of Ogbomoso, Chief James Oladipo to Oke Aremo,Ibadan Palace at about 10.30am, also congratulated the Otun Olubadan and former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja on his emergence as the next Olubadan.
They were received on arrival by the Maye Olubadan, Chief Lekan Alabi who was erstwhile Press Secretary to the old Oyo State Military Governor,thenCol.Oladayo Popoola.
While extolling the virtues of the late Oba Olakulehin for leading an exemplary life, the Soun,who spoke through Chief Oladipo, lauded 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 today,the delegation from Ibadan Iyalode line paid a condolence visit.
The Osi Iyalode, Chief Mrs Yewande Durosaro, a 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 Ayo Alaga, and Chief (Mrs )Onibiyo Scott made up the delegation. 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 Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun, also visited the Palace to mourn the late Oba Olakulehin and congratulated 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 indivisibility before becoming Olubadan.
Describing Ibadan tradition and culture as unrivalled, the CAN boss 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 yesterday 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 first 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 the Ekerin Olubadan,Oba Hamidu Ajibade, Ekerin Balogun, Oba Akeem Adewoyin, the Maye Olubadan Chief Lekan Alabi, Areago Olubadan, Chief Kola Gbadamosi, Aregbe Omo Balogun, Chief Taofeek Adegoke, and others.
