Contrary to widespread rumours, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, is alive and not dead.
The rumours of the reverred monarch’s death began circulating on social media on Monday evening.
The Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) spokesperson, Michael Ogunsina, has however, confirmed that the monarch is not dead in a terse statement, saying he spoke with the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, who told him the Olubadan is alive.
Also, the Oyo State Government has denied media reports suggesting that the revered monarch is dead.
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.
The statement shared by a prominent X user, Akin Akinwale reads; “The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Oyo State has confirmed that Kabiesi Olubadan Oba Owolabi Olakulehin is alive, hale and hearty. Kindly ignore the purveyors of fake news. Olorun a bá wà di Baba mú.”
Also, 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 been flown anywhere. He is doing very fine.”
Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin was crowned as the 43rd Olubadan on July 12, 2024.
He succeeded the 42nd king, Oba Mahood Lekan Balogun, who died on 14 March 2024 at 81
