The Olakulehin Royal Family has formally unveiled the funeral arrangements for Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, who passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90. A state burial, sanctioned by Governor Seyi Makinde, is scheduled for Friday, August 8, 2025, at the Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, commencing at 10:00 am. The service will incorporate both the church service and the interment, providing a solemn occasion for the final farewell to the revered monarch. The family has expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support and condolences received from various individuals and organizations across the nation.
Preceding the state burial will be a series of events honoring the late Olubadan. These activities, originally planned to celebrate his 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary, have been rescheduled as part of the official 21-day mourning period. The series of events will begin on Sunday, August 3, 2025.
The funeral rites commence with sporting events, reflecting the late monarch’s support for community engagement. The Olubadan Olakulehin Football Cup Semi-Final matches will take place at Bishop Philips Academy Stadium, Ibadan, on Sunday, August 3, 2025, with kick-off times set for 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm. The following day, Monday, August 4, 2025, the Olakulehin Table Tennis Tournament Preliminaries will be held at the Indoor Hall of the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, starting at 10:00 am. These sporting events provide an opportunity for the community to gather and remember the Olubadan’s legacy.
The football tournament continues on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, with the third-place match at 2:00 pm and the final at 4:00 pm, both held at the Olubadan Stadium, Ibadan. The table tennis tournament concludes on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, with the finals taking place at the same venue as the preliminaries. These sporting events serve as a poignant tribute to the late monarch’s commitment to community development.
The two days leading up to the burial will be filled with solemn ceremonies. On Thursday, August 7, 2025, the late Olubadan’s body will lie in state at Mapo Hall for an interfaith service at 10:00 am, allowing people from all walks of life to pay their last respects. A Christian wake will follow later that day at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, at 3:00 pm, providing a more intimate setting for mourning and remembrance.
The final event in the funeral proceedings will be a family thanksgiving service on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at the Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan, at 10:00 am. This service will offer a moment of reflection and gratitude for the life and legacy of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. The planned events reflect a blend of traditional customs and modern practices, offering a fitting tribute to a respected leader. The Olakulehin Royal Family’s detailed announcement provides a roadmap for the community to participate in commemorating the life of their revered leader. The careful planning underscores the significance of the occasion and the deep respect held for the departed monarch.
