Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, alongside his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede (represented), members of the Olubadan-in-Council, and a host of dignitaries, on Friday, paid their final respects to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

The late monarch, a retired Nigerian Army officer, was laid to rest with full military honours at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.

His remains were committed to the earth at the church cemetery within the compound.

The COAS was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ojoo, Major General Obinna Onubogun. A highlight of the military burial was the traditional firing of gunshots in honour of the departed royal and the formal presentation of the Nigerian flag to his next of kin.

The funeral service, which marked the climax of weeklong burial activities, was officiated by the Archbishop of the Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and Bishop of the Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, Right Rev?d Dr. Williams Aladekugbe. In his sermon, he urged all in attendance to live purposefully, reminding them of the inevitability of judgment and accountability.

Drawing from I Thessalonians 4:13?14, the cleric described Oba Olakulehin?s death as a great loss not only to Ibadanland but also to Oyo State and Nigeria at large. He noted that for true believers, death marks the beginning of a new, eternal life.

Present at the solemn event were members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) led by President General Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, top government officials, traditional rulers, and well-wishers from across the country.

He said, ?? that Is where Oba Olakulehin is now. He has left this world of thriving wickedness and the Church militant, and he Is now at rest in the Church triumphant.

?So, children, children?s children, relatives, friends, associates and all the good people of Ibadanland, do not grieve endlessly and hopelessly like those who are without Christ. Rather, rejoice and be thankful to the Lord that after this dark world of sin, better things await those who know, love and serve the Lord.

?Take heed that you don?t spend your today in any way that may ruin your tomorrow, but remember that all of us will give account to our creator.?

Speaking on the life and times of the late monarch, whom he described as a ?great man of faith, man of prayer who was utterly committed to the things of the Lord?, Bishop Aladekugbe said, Oba Olakulehin was ever humble and unassuming, and his love for God was easily visible in his relationship with people around him.

?Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was not only a custodian of Ibadan?s rich history and culture but also a man of intellect and principle whose contributions extended beyond the palace into education, governance, the military and national development. His life, from soldier to entrepreneur, politician to traditional ruler, reflects a legacy of service to Ibadanland. His reign was brief but remarkable.

?He was a leader of grace with a heart full of compassion. He was a great father of all in Ibadanland and he stood tall as a harbinger of inclusiveness and fatherhood. Kabiyesi was a devoted Christian and had been a powerful force in every one of his subjects? lives, imparting strong values and generosity.

?During his reign, he ensured that all residents within his domain enjoyed very peaceful co-existence. Ibadanland and environs similarly witnessed unprecedented development. The traditional institution in the land also experienced a transformation that has moved the institution to greater heights.

?Kabiyesi?s departure is certainly an irreparable loss, but our conviction is that he lived a life full of legacies, a life dedicated to the service of God and humanity. Baba was there for the unity of the country when he fought gallantly as a military officer during the Nigerian civil war. Undoubtedly, Kabiyesi remains the signature of love, kindness and a template for commitment in the things of God and the progress of the society. The late Olubadan lived an impactful life and served Ibadanland with distinction.?

Speaking on the state of the nation, the Cleric condemned the spate at which politicians are showing desperation about the 2027 General elections, saying those promising to spend only one time in office are only showing their height of desperation.

He added, ?The hardship in our country continues unabated. The time for mass employment programmes for the teeming population of our youths cannot be later than now.

?Unfortunately, while our government seems to have stabilised the economy, the increase in tariffs on telecommunications at a time when prices have skyrocketed and when poverty levels have increased, can only be seen as insensitive and a signal of disconnect with the masses.

?It is very disturbing that while our government needed to settle and address the myriad of problems facing our country, some politicians have been talking about 2027. This is a disgrace to governance, abuse of the people?s mandate and reckless disregard for the concerns of the people.

?As far back as less than two years of President Tinubu in office, shameless politicians have been talking about 2027 instead of focusing on the delivery of good governance. And now it is even worse.?

He said further, ?Let me say that any politician bargaining for only one term is a sign of desperation. It will not work. It is also a sign of desperation when you see leaders in their own right carrying plates, serving food at parties. All these will not work.

?We plead with elected politicians to do the electorate good by concentrating on governance and service to the people, and delay political intrigues and the likes till the last year of their term.

?Regrettably, Nigeria has come to be characterised by insecurity, and the lives of people are not worth anything anymore. The rate at which souls are being lost in various parts of our country, due to the activities of bandits, herdsmen, and other nefarious activities, must be a matter of concern to every sane person.

?Whether it is in the North, Middle belt, or the South, killings and waste of innocent lives appear to be one common denominator apart from poverty.?

He appealed to President Tinubu to do more to stop the killings and insecurity across the country.

?We appeal to our government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to rise to the occasion and stop the killings. The figures that we now have of lost lives are very disturbing to read.

?The primary duty of the government is to protect the citizens. We plead with our government to invest in intelligence reporting, equipping the security outfits, and equipment that will enhance surveillance on the activities of these evil men all over the country. The Church shall continue to uphold all levels of government in her prayers.? (The Nation)

?Gov. Makinde (right) and son of the late Olubadan, Sumbo Olakulehin, during the burial service at St Peter?s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan. Credit: Ademola Adegbite

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