The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has paid tribute to the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing him as a giant in thought and action whose legacy would continue to inspire generations.
In a condolence message released on Monday and signed by the Secretary to the Sultanate Council, Alhaji Sai’idu Maccido, the Sultan expressed deep sorrow over the monarch’s passing, which he said had left a significant void in the traditional leadership landscape.
He said, “The passing of this great monarch leaves a void that will be felt across the land. He was a good-hearted giant in thought and action.”
Though Oba Olakulehin spent just one year on the throne, the Sultan praised his commitment to the well-being of his people and the development of Ibadanland adding, “Even though he spent just a year on the throne, his commitment to his people and devotion to development were truly commendable.”
The Sultan, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria (NTRCN), highlighted Oba Olakulehin’s contributions to peace and unity, describing him as a monarch who placed national interest above personal gain.
He offered prayers for the royal family, the Olubadan-in-Council, and the people of Oyo State stressing, “May God grant the family and the good people of Ibadan Land the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss. Ameen.”
In another development, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, has expressed profound sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the passing of the monarch.
Ogundoyin described the news of the revered monarch’s demise as “a heartbreaking twist of fate,” recalling the recent joyful tributes he extended in honour of Olubadan’s nonagenarian birthday.
The speaker stated, “Just two days ago, we were offering prayers of thanksgiving for a glorious 90th year. Today, we bow our heads in mourning, grappling with the sudden departure of a royal father whose presence was a beacon of tradition, unity, and wisdom in Ibadanland.”
He noted that Olubadan’s life was a radiant testament to selfless leadership and unwavering devotion to Ibadan’s sociocultural heritage praising the monarch’s reign as one marked by peace, dignity, and the strengthening of traditional values across the state.
The Speaker extended his condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the royal family, the entire Ibadan indigenes both at home and abroad, and the Government of Oyo State.
Ogundoyin emphasised that though the monarch has physically departed, his legacy would echo across generations saying, “In just 48 hours, we moved from celebration to sorrow, but such is the tapestry of life. Kabiyesi lived a full, impactful life. And though our hearts are heavy, we give thanks for the decades he dedicated to the throne and the people. May the soul of our dearly beloved Olubadan rest eternally in peace.”
