Due to the burial of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, all markets were forced to close on Friday morning.
Two days after turning 90, on July 7, 2025, Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, passed away.
Today, August 8, he will be laid to rest in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Aremo, Ibadan.
In a statement released on Thursday, Oyo State Babaloja General Alhaji Yekeen Abass ordered that all markets be closed on Friday from 5 a.m. to 12 p.m. in remembrance of the deceased king.
Abass stated that the purpose of the closure was to honour the esteemed traditional leader who “diligently served the country, the state, and, most importantly, Ibadanland.”
He stated, “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 prayed for the soul of the departed king and asked God to grant the royal family the fortitude to bear the loss.
In the meantime, a lying-in-state at the ancient Mapo Hall in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area marked the start of the last funeral service on Thursday.
Members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Mogajis (heads of families), Christian and Muslim religious leaders, traditional worshippers, and other dignitaries attended the sombre occasion.
Femi Ibikunle, Governor Seyi Makinde’s Special Adviser on Interfaith Affairs, called the late Olubadan “an astute and articulate traditional ruler.”
“The interests of the people were always the top priority for the late Oba Olakulehin,” he stated. He was industrious and accommodative, and his acceptance of all faith communities contributed to the stability of his rule.
Also speaking, the President of the Ibadan Mogajis, Chief Asimiyu Ariori, said the late monarch lived a meritorious life, leaving an indelible impact on Ibadanland.
On behalf of the family, the first son of the late king, Sunmbo Owolabi, expressed gratitude to CCII, Mogajis, and all indigenes of Ibadan for their support.
He prayed that the city would “continue to wax stronger.”
Later in the evening, a Christian wake was held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, within the Ibadan North Local Government Area, as part of the continuing rites of passage.
