The funeral rites for the late 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away at the age of 90 on July 7, 2025, have been officially announced by his family.
According to the statement released by his first son, Olasunmbo Olakulehin, the monarch will be given a state burial on Friday, August 8, 2025.
The burial ceremony, which has been approved by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, will take place at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan, beginning at 10 a.m.
As part of activities leading up to the interment, a series of events have been lined up, including rescheduled sporting competitions originally planned to celebrate the monarch’s 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary.
“Events will commence on Sunday, August 3, with the semi-final matches of the Olubadan Olakulehin Football Cup at the Bishop Philips Academy Stadium in Ibadan,” the family statement revealed. Matches are scheduled for 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
On Monday, August 4, the preliminaries of the Olakulehin Table Tennis Tournament will be held at the Indoor Hall of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan by 10:00 a.m.
The football tournament continues on Tuesday, August 5, with the third-place match at 2:00 p.m. and the final by 4:00 p.m. at the Olubadan Stadium.
The finals of the Table Tennis Tournament will hold on Wednesday, August 6, also at the Lekan Salami Stadium, effectively wrapping up the sporting activities.
An interfaith service will be held at Mapo Hall on Thursday, August 7 at 10:00 a.m., where the late monarch’s body will lie in state. This will be followed by a Christian wake at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, starting at 3:00 p.m.
The final phase of the ceremonies will be a family Thanksgiving Service, also at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, on Sunday, August 10 at 10:00 a.m.
“We are deeply grateful to President Bola Tinubu, Governor Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan-in-Council, traditional and religious leaders, political figures, and the people of Ibadan and Nigeria at large for their kind words, condolence visits, and unwavering support during this time,” Olasunmbo said on behalf of the royal family.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s passing marks the end of an era in Ibadan traditional leadership. His burial is expected to attract dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond.