Contrary to some media reports Monday evening, insinuating that the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin had joined his ancestors, the Oyo State Government has dismissed the report, saying the monarch is hale and hearty.
In dismissing the media reports, Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, assured that the 89-year-old Oba Olakulehin was alive and in good health.
“Yes, Olubadan is alive, hale, and hearty. I spoke with one of his sons, Prince Olaseke Owolabi Olakulehin, who represented the family at the coronation committee,” Olatunbosun said.
Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, said he left the Olubadan in healthy condition around 8pm on Monday night without any health challenge.
He added that when he reached out to the palace following the report he was assured that the Olubadan was hale and hearty. “When I later contacted the palace, I was told Baba is hale and healthy.”
Ayoade further dispelled the rumour that Oba Olakulehin had been flown outside of the city, affirming that “Baba is still in Ibadan. He was not flown anywhere. He is doing very fine.”
