Ibadan markets shut as Olubadan Olakulehin is buried

All markets in Ibadanland were ordered closed on Friday morning as the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is buried.

Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, died on July 7, 2025, two days after his 90th birthday.

He will be buried today, August 8, at the St Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.

The Babaloja General of Oyo State, Alhaji Yekeen Abass, in a statement on Thursday, directed that all markets be shut from 5 am to 12 noon on Friday, to honour the departed monarch.

The closure, according to Abass, was to pay last respects to the revered traditional ruler who, he said, “diligently served the country, the state and, most importantly, Ibadanland.”

He stated, “Traders and artisans in Ibadan will continue to remember the late monarch for maintaining peace and creating an enabling environment for marketers in the ancient city.

“Let me, therefore, advise the market leaders in Ibadanland to ensure strict compliance with the directive in their various markets.”

Abass also prayed for the soul of the departed king and asked God to grant the royal family the fortitude to bear the loss.

Meanwhile, the final burial ceremony began on Thursday with a lying-in-state at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan South East Local Government Area.

Present at the solemn ceremony were members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Mogajis (family heads), religious leaders, both Christian and Muslim, traditional worshippers, and other dignitaries.

The Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Interfaith Affairs, Femi Ibikunle, described the late Olubadan as “an astute and articulate traditional ruler.”

He said, “The late Oba Olakulehin always had the people’s interest at heart. He was hardworking and accommodating, and his tolerance of all religious groups helped ensure peace during his reign.”

Also speaking, the President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, said the late monarch lived a meritorious life, leaving an indelible impact on Ibadanland.

On behalf of the family, the first son of the late king, Sunmbo Owolabi, expressed gratitude to CCII, Mogajis, and all indigenes of Ibadan for their support.

He prayed that the city would “continue to wax stronger.”

Later in the evening, a Christian wake was held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, within the Ibadan North Local Government Area, as part of the continuing rites of passage.