The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has extended his condolences to the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away in the early hours of Monday.
In a statement issued through his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, the Alaafin expressed his sadness over the death of the 90-year-old monarch, noting that his transition occurred less than a year after he assumed the throne of Ibadanland.
Describing the late traditional ruler, Oba Owoade noted that Oba Olakulehin was “a visionary monarch whose contributions to the development of both Ibadanland and the people within his shortest reign would remain indelible.”
He added, “Prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed royal father. A good heart has stopped beating, and a good soul has ascended to heaven. We part with our beloved monarch in pain. May our Lord bless and comfort the entire royal family during this time of grief.”
The monarch also reflected on the inevitability of death, reminding people that mortality is the common fate of all living beings.
“No human being has ever been granted immortality. Every creature is bound to die, and whatever has a beginning will certainly have an end.”
Quoting spiritual teachings, the Alaafin continued:
“If God’s messenger (peace be upon him) will die, could they be granted life everlasting? Since they cannot hope to live forever, why do they not behave like ones who will inevitably taste death? Why do they not reflect and contemplate? Every soul shall taste death. This is the law that governs life. It has no exceptions or exemptions. The living, then, must take this into account and prepare themselves for it. This short journey on Earth is bound to come to an end, and its end is the death of every living thing.”
He added that while death is a certainty, how a person lives is what leaves a lasting mark. The late Olubadan, he noted, was devoted, firm in his duties, kind-hearted, and always put his people first.
“All shall return to God. But whatever happens to us during this trip through life, whether good or bad, is meant as a test: We test you all with evil and good by way of trial. As dedicated, committed, resilient, large-hearted and amiable as the late Monarch, when death came knocking at his door at 90 years, he was powerless as he could stop death before it snuffed life out of him.”
On behalf of the entire people of Oyo town, the Alaafin extended his heartfelt sympathy to the family and people of Ibadanland. He offered prayers of strength and peace to help them cope with the loss.
“We pray for strength for the family. A good soul has passed on, and a good ruler has gone up to heaven. With a heavy heart, we part with our beloved father.”
“May the soul of the departed royal father be at peace with our Heavenly Father. May the care and love of those around the deceased royal family provide comfort and peace to get them through the days ahead,” he concluded.
