Matthew Onocheta
IBADAN – The Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is alive, hale and hearty, the Oyo State government said on Monday, debunking media reports that the 89 years old monarch had passed on.
“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,” the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, told The Punch newspaper.
The Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, also debunked the death rumours, saying that the monarch is hale and healthy.
“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.
“The Olubadan just finished eating amala. He is hale and healthy. It is just a rumour. There is nothing of such,” he said.
Ayoade further debunked the rumour that the traditional ruler had been flown out of the town for medical attention.
“Baba is still in Ibadan. He was not flown anywhere. He is doing very fine,” he said.
Oba Olakulehin received the staff of office from the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on July 12 2024. He succeeded the 42nd Olubadan, Oba Mashood Lekan Balogun, who joined his ancestors on March 14, 2024 at the age of 81.
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