The Oyo State Government has debunked rumors of Olubadan Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s death, assuring the public that he is alive and in good health. Officials, including the Chief Press Secretary and a family member, confirmed that the monarch remains in Ibadan and continues his royal duties without issues.
The Oyo State Government has dismissed circulating reports that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away. Addressing the rumors, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, assured the public that the monarch is alive and in good health.
According to Olatunbosun, he spoke with a family member, Prince Olaseke Owolabi Olakulehin, who confirmed that the traditional ruler is well. He urged the public to disregard misinformation and assured that the government remains in close communication with the Olubadan family.
Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, refuted the claims, stating that he was at the palace the previous evening and observed no signs of distress or emergency. He added that further checks with the palace confirmed that Oba Olakulehin remains hale and hearty.
There were also speculations that the Olubadan had been flown out of Ibadan for medical attention. However, Ayoade dismissed these claims, emphasizing that the monarch remains in the city and continues to fulfill his royal duties without any issues.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who ascended the throne in July 2024 after the passing of Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, remains a respected figure in Ibadan’s traditional leadership. The state government has called on residents and well-wishers to rely on verified sources for updates on the monarch’s health and to avoid spreading false information that could cause unnecessary panic.
