By Erewunmi Peace

The Olakulehin royal family has officially announced Friday, August 8, 2025, as the burial date for the late Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, who passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

According to a statement released by the family and confirmed by the Oyo State Government, the burial proceedings will commence with a church service and interment at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, at 10:00 a.m., under the supervision of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State chapter.

In the build-up to the state burial, a series of commemorative events are scheduled to honour the monarch’s life and legacy. These include:

Sunday, August 3 to Wednesday, August 6: Football and table-tennis tournaments in honour of the late monarch, reflecting his love for sports and community engagement.

Thursday, August 7: The monarch’s body will lie in state at Mapo Hall, a historic venue symbolic to the Ibadan traditional institution. A Christian wake service will follow in the afternoon at the Olubadan Palace.

Friday, August 8: Final burial rites and church service, followed by private interment.

Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne in 2024 and reigned until his death. His short but impactful reign was marked by wisdom, unity among the Ibadan traditional council, and a renewed call for cultural preservation.

Governor Seyi Makinde has expressed condolences to the family and has approved the state burial plans, describing Oba Olakulehin as “a custodian of tradition and a father to all Ibadan sons and daughters.”

The family has invited members of the public, traditional rulers, political leaders, and well-wishers to join in celebrating the life of the revered monarch.