Markets across Ibadanland remained closed Friday morning as traders and residents paid their final respects to the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, during his burial ceremony.
The Babaloja General of Oyo State, Yekeen Abass, ordered the partial market closure from 5 a.m. to 12 noon, describing it as a tribute to the 43rd Olubadan, who fostered peace and prosperity for Ibadan’s business community.
“We will continue to remember the late monarch for his service to the country, Oyo State and Ibadanland,” Abass stated, while directing market leaders to ensure full compliance with the directive.
Oba Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7 at age 90—just two days after his birthday celebration—was laid to rest at St Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.
The elaborate funeral proceedings began Thursday with a lying-in-state ceremony at Mapo Hall, drawing members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Mogajis (family heads), religious leaders, traditional worshippers, and prominent dignitaries.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s special adviser on interfaith affairs, Femi Ibikunle, praised the deceased ruler as someone who “always had the people’s interest at heart,” while Asimiyu Ariori, president of the Ibadan Mogajis, noted the monarch’s lasting impact on the ancient city.
Speaking on behalf of the royal family, the late king’s eldest son, Sunmbo Owolabi, expressed gratitude to all Ibadan indigenes for their overwhelming support and offered prayers for the city’s continued development.
The formal ceremonies concluded Thursday evening with a Christian wake service held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, marking the end of an era for one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional institutions.
