All markets across Ibadanland remained closed on Friday morning in honour of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who was laid to rest the same day.
The revered monarch, who was the 43rd Olubadan, passed away on July 7, 2025—just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.
His final rites are scheduled to take place at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, today, August 8.
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Alhaji Yekeen Abass, Babaloja General of Oyo State, directed the temporary closure of all markets in a statement released on Thursday.
The closure period, from 5 a.m. to 12 noon, was declared to honour the late traditional ruler.
According to Abass, the gesture is a mark of respect for a monarch who “diligently served the country, the state and, most importantly, Ibadanland.”
He added, “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 offered prayers for the late king’s soul and expressed his condolences to the royal family, asking for divine strength to help them cope with the loss.
The burial proceedings began on Thursday with a lying-in-state ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall, located in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area.
Attendees included members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Mogajis (family heads), religious leaders from both Christian and Islamic faiths, traditional worshippers, and other prominent figures.
Femi Ibikunle, the Special Adviser on Interfaith Affairs to Governor Seyi Makinde, described Oba Olakulehin as “an astute and articulate traditional ruler.”
He noted, “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.”
In a similar tone, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, President of the Ibadan Mogajis, praised the monarch’s lifetime of service, stating that he left behind a lasting legacy.
Sunmbo Owolabi, the monarch’s first son, expressed appreciation on behalf of the family.
He thanked the CCII, Mogajis, and all Ibadan natives for their support during this period. He prayed that the city would “continue to wax stronger.”
The day’s events concluded with a Christian wake held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, within Ibadan North Local Government Area, as part of the traditional passage rites.
