T
he Osi Parakoyi and Yeye Osi Parakoyi of Ibadanland, Chief (Dr.) Tokunbo Olukoya and
Chief (Mrs.) Adekunbi Olukoya have joined other numerous Nigerians to extend their condolences over the demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin 1) who joined his ancestors in the early hours of yesterday at the age of 90.
Dr. Tokunbo Olukoya who is one of the distinguished Nigerian Medical Doctors that is based in the United States of America and his wife condolence message was contained in the letter addressed to the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland a copy of which was made available to journalists in Ibadan.
The letter reads: To the Family of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of
Ibadanland
Ibadan, Oyo State
Condolence Message on the Passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
“With heavy hearts and profound respect, we extend our deepest condolences to the royal family, the Olubadan-in-Council, the good people of Ibadanland, and the entire Oyo State on the passing of our dearly beloved monarch, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, who departed this life at the age of 90.
As the Osi Parakoyi and Yeye Osi Parakoyi of Ibadanland, we join the great sons and daughters of Ibadan—at home and in the diaspora—in mourning a monarch whose life embodied service,
humility, and the enduring values of our rich heritage.
A revered former army officer and lawmaker, Kabiyesi rose with distinction through Ibadan’s
chieftaincy line, becoming a pillar of wisdom and calm leadership.
Throughout his reign, he was a voice of reason and peace, fostering unity across traditional and political lines. His advocacy for peace, order, and justice will remain a model for leaders to come.
Beyond traditional leadership, Oba Olakulehin was deeply committed to the preservation and
promotion of Yoruba culture.
His support for indigenous festivals, language, and storytelling enriched the identity of our people and reinforced Ibadan’s cultural pride. He will be remembered not just as a king, but as a symbol of unity, integrity, and tradition.
We also wish to thank the people of Ibadan for their calm and peaceful conduct during this
sensitive time of transition.
Your maturity and reverence for tradition have upheld the dignity of our city and honored the memory of our departed monarch.
In this same spirit, we extend our prayers and support to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, as he leads Oyo State through this moment of reflection and guides the sacred process
of the selection of the next Olubadan. May God grant him continued wisdom, strength, and discernment.
As we bid farewell to a great leader of Ibadanland, we pray that Almighty God grants the soul of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin eternal rest and comforts all of us left behind to carry forward his legacy of peace, wisdom, and cultural pride.
May Ibadanland continue to be blessed with visionary and selfless leaders.
May his memory be a blessing to us all.” The Osi Parakoyi and Yeye Osi Parakoyi of Ibadanland concluded.
