The family of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has released details of his final rites, confirming that the revered monarch will be laid to rest on Friday, 8 August 2025.
The announcement, signed by his first son, Olasunmbo Olakulehin, stated that Governor Seyi Makinde has approved a state burial for the late royal father. The main funeral service and interment will be held at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan, beginning at 10am.
Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, died on Monday, 7 July 2025, at the age of 90, following a brief illness.
In the lead-up to the burial, a series of activities have been lined up, starting from Sunday, 3 August. The Olubadan Olakulehin Football Cup semi-finals will take place at Bishop Philips Academy Stadium, Ibadan, at 2pm and 4pm respectively.
According to the statement, “On Monday, 4 August, the Olakulehin Table Tennis Tournament preliminaries will take place at the Indoor Hall of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, by 10am.”
Sporting events will continue on Tuesday, 5 August, with the football third-place match by 2pm and the final at 4pm, both at the Olubadan Stadium. The finals of the table tennis tournament, initially planned as part of the monarch’s 90th birthday and coronation anniversary, will now be held on Wednesday, 6 August.
The body of the late monarch will lie in state during an interfaith service at Mapo Hall on Thursday, 7 August, starting at 10am. A Christian wake service is also scheduled for 3pm at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo.
The week-long farewell will conclude with a family thanksgiving on Sunday, 10 August, also at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, at 10am.
The family expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Makinde, members of the Olubadan-in-Council, religious and traditional leaders, political figures, business stakeholders, Ibadan groups, residents, and the general public for their condolences and support.
