The Oyo State Government has strongly denied reports circulating on social media and news platforms claiming that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away. The state government described the rumours as false and misleading, urging the public to disregard the reports and avoid spreading panic.
On Monday night, several media outlets and social media platforms reported that the 89-year-old traditional ruler had died. However, Oyo State government officials and palace sources swiftly dismissed these claims. They reassured the people of Ibadan and beyond that the monarch is alive and in good health.
Wasiu Olatunbosun, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, was among the first to refute the claims. Olatunbosun highlighted that there was no truth to the rumours. He confirmed that he had spoken to one of the Olubadan’s sons, Prince Olaseke Owolabi Olakulehin, who assured him that the monarch is doing well.
“Olubadan is alive, hale, and hearty. I spoke with one of his sons, Prince Olaseke Owolabi Olakulehin, who represented the family at the coronation committee. There is absolutely no truth in the rumours being spread,” Olatunbosun specified.
The Commissioner further urged the public to remain calm and refrain from sharing unverified information, which only causes unnecessary distress.
In a similar vein, Gbenga Ayoade, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, also dismissed the death rumours. Ayoade, who had visited the palace in the evening, saying that everything was normal at the time of his visit. He assured the public that there were no medical emergencies involving the monarch.
“By the time I left the palace around 8 p.m., everything was in order. There was no sign of any medical emergency. In fact, when I later checked in with the palace, I was informed that Baba is hale and hearty. The reports of his death are nothing but fake news,” Ayoade stated.
Ayoade also addressed the false claim that Olubadan had been flown out of Ibadan for medical attention, calling it pure speculation. “Baba is still in Ibadan. He was not flown anywhere. In fact, he just finished eating amala. He is doing very fine. This is just another example of how false information spreads so quickly in Nigeria.”
Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who assumed office as the traditional ruler on July 12, 2024, after receiving the staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde, is set to mark his 90th birthday on July 5, 2025. Despite the false reports about his health, palace sources remain confident that the Olubadan will continue to fulfil his duties as the paramount ruler of Ibadanland.
