The Olakulehin Royal Family has officially announced the burial programme for the late 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away at the age of 90 on Monday, July 7, 2025, after a brief illness in Ibadan, Oyo State.
According to a statement by the monarch’s first son, Olasunmbo Olakulehin, the late traditional ruler will receive a state burial on Friday, August 8, 2025.
The event, approved by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, will include a church service and interment at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan, starting at 10 a.m.
Olakulehin said the burial will be preceded by various events initially scheduled to commemorate the late monarch’s 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary, which were rescheduled to align with the 21-day mourning period.
The activities will commence on Sunday, August 3, 2025, with the Olubadan Olakulehin Football Cup semi-final matches at Bishop Philips Academy Stadium, Ibadan, at 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
The statement read, “On Monday, August 4, 2025, the Olakulehin Table Tennis Tournament preliminaries will be held at the Indoor Hall of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan at 10 a.m.”
“Tuesday, August 5, 2025, will witness the Olubadan Olakulehin Football Cup third-place face-off at the Olubadan Stadium, Ibadan, at 2 p.m., while the Cup final will be played at 4 p.m.”
“Olakulehin Table Tennis Tournament Finals on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, will round off the earlier rescheduled sporting activities to mark the monarch’s 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary.”
Ahead of the final burial, an interfaith service and lying-in-state will take place at Mapo Hall on Thursday, August 7, 2025, at 10 a.m. A Christian wake will follow the same day at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, by 3 p.m.
The funeral rites will conclude with a family thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan, at 10 a.m.
The family expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-in-Council, traditional rulers, religious leaders, politicians, corporate representatives, Ibadan groups and associations, ethnic communities, professionals, and the general public for their support, condolence messages, and visits.
