The Olakulehin Royal Family, on Tuesday, officially announced the funeral rites and farewell activities of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Olakulehiun joined his ancestors on Monday, 7 July 2025, at the age of 90 years, in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
A statement by the first son of the late monarch, Olasunmbo Olakulehin, said the late Olubadan would be given a state burial on Friday, 8 August 2025, as approved by Governor Seyi Makinde.
He said the church service and interment would be held at the Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, from 10:00 am.
Olakulehin said preceding the state burial would be a series of activities, including events which were rescheduled for the official 21-day mourning period of the traditional ruler.
Activities heralding the funeral rites will begin on Sunday, 3 August 2025, with the Olubadan Olakulehin Football Cup Semi-Final matches at Bishop Philips Academy Stadium, Ibadan, at 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm.
The statement said, ‘On Monday, 4 August 2025, the Olakulehin Table Tennis Tournament Preliminaries will be held at the Indoor Hall of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, at 10:00 am
‘On Tuesday, 5 August 2025, the Olubadan Olakulehin Football Cup third-place face-off will be held at the Olubadan Stadium, Ibadan, at 2:00 pm, while the cup final will be played at 4:00 pm.
‘Olakulehin Table Tennis Tournament Finals on Wednesday, 6 August 2025, will round off the earlier rescheduled sporting activities to mark the monarch’s 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary.
‘Before the Friday, 8 August, burial of the late monarch, his body will lie in state during an interfaith service at Mapo Hall on Thursday, 7 August 2025, at 10:00 am, while a Christian wake will be held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, by 3:00 pm.
‘Olakulehin’s farewell will be concluded with a family thanksgiving service on Sunday, 10th August 2025, at the Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, at 10:00 am’.
The statement appreciated President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, Olubadan-In-Council, traditional and religious leaders, politicians, businessmen, representatives of corporate bodies, Ibadan groups and associations, Ibadan indigenes, ethnic groups, residents, professional bodies, the people of the state and Nigerians in general for their commiserations, condolence visits and support.
