Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has commiserated with the family of the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on Monday morning.

Mr Makinde commiserated with the family when a delegation of Mr Olakulehin’s family visited his office at the state secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan, to officially inform him of the demise of the 43rd Olubadan.

The governor described the passage of Mr Olakulehin as a great loss to the people of Ibadanland.

He pledged that the state would stand by the family and give the late Olubadan a befitting burial.

Mr Makinde said that Mr Olakulehin’s legacies would remain significant in the state’s traditional and cultural space.

“We do not always want them to go; we want them to stay with us, but God has designed our bodies for a certain period of time.

“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will definitely stay with the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial,” the governor said.

Earlier, a former president-general of the Central Council of Ibadan, Bayo Oyero, who led members of the late Olubadan’s family to the governor’s office, thanked Mr Makinde for his support to the late Ibadan traditional ruler through out his(Olakulehin) reign as Olubadan.

Mr Oyero, on behalf of the deceased family, expressed gratitude to the governor and his government for making Mr Olakulehin’s reign a success.

“We thank you very sincerely. In spite of the controversial situation we had before he ascended the throne, you still approved his ascension to the imperial throne of Ibadanland.

“We want to thank your government for all you have done, including a remarkable, historic coronation ceremony, which the government did for him.” Mr Oyero said.

Mr Olakulehin, who ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland a year ago, celebrated his 90th birthday on July 5.

(NAN)