The Oyo State Government has dismissed circulating reports that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away, stating that the revered monarch remains alive and in good health.
Speculations about the Olubadan’s death spread on Monday night, with some media platforms reporting that the 89-year-old monarch had died.
However, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, refuted the claims, confirming that Oba Olakulehin is hale and hearty.
“Yes. Olubadan is alive, hale and hearty. I spoke with one of the sons who represented the family at the coronation committee, Prince Olaseke Owolabi Olakulehin,” Olatunbosun told newsmen.
Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, dismissed the rumors, asserting that the monarch remains in good health.
“By the time I left the palace around 8 pm, there was nothing of such incident. Things were moving well. There was no crisis. And when I contacted the palace after I left, they told me Baba is hale and healthy,” Ayoade said.
He further emphasized that there was no truth to the speculation that the Olubadan had been taken out of the town for medical treatment.
“Baba is still in Ibadan. He was not flown anywhere. He is doing very fine,” he added.
Oba Olakulehin, who was officially presented with the staff of office by Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, is set to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 5. He succeeded the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun, who passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.
