The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has reacted to the passage of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, saying “a good heart has stopped beating”.
Oba Olakulehin joined his ancestors in the early hours of Monday at the age of 90, barely 12 months after he ascended the revered throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Alaafin, in a condolence message to the royal family and people of Ibadan land by his Director of Media and Publicity, ‘Bode Durojaiye, described the late Olubadan as a visionary monarch whose contributions to the development of Ibadan land and the people within his short reign, would remain indelible.
According to him, “prayers and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed Royal Father.
“A good heart has stopped beating, a good soul 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.”
Oba Owoade noted that “No human being has ever been granted immortality,” adding that every creature is bound to die, stressing that “whatever has a beginning will certainly have an end.”
Said he, “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.
“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 as trial.”
Alaafin highlighted that as dedicated, committed, resilient, large-hearted and amiable as Oba Olakulehin was, he could not resist death when it came at 90 years.
The Paramount Ruler therefore extends his deepest sympathies, on behalf of himself and the people of Oyo town, to the bereaved family, and the people of Ibadan land.
He prayed for strength for the bereaved family, “May the soul of the departed Royal Father be at peace with our Heavenly Father. May care and love of those around the deceased royal family provide comfort and peace, to get them through the days ahead.”
