The Oyo State Government has denied media reports suggesting that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is dead.
Some media reports on Monday night claimed that the revered monarch was dead at the age of 89.
However, in an interview with newsmen on Monday night, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, refuted the rumours.
Olatunbosun stated that the Olubadan of Ibadan is alive, hale and hearty.
“Yes. Olubadan is alive, hale and hearty. I spoke with one of the sons who represented the family at the coronation committee, Prince Olaseke Owolabi Olakulehin,” he said.
Also, in a chat with our correspondent, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, debunked the death rumours, saying that the monarch is hale and healthy.
“By the time I left the palace around 8 pm, there was nothing of such incident. Things were moving well. There was no crisis. And when I contacted the palace after I left, they told me Baba is hale and healthy.
“The Olubadan just finished eating amala. He is hale and healthy. It is just a rumour. There is nothing of such,” he said.
Ayoade further debunked the rumour that the traditional ruler had been flown out of the town for medical attention.
He added, “Baba is still in Ibadan. He was not flown anywhere. He is doing very fine.”
Oba Olakulehin, who received the staff of office from the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on July 12 2024, will clock 90 years on July 5.
The PUNCH
