The Oyo State Government has debunked rumors claiming that Olubadan Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has passed away, assuring the public that the monarch is in good health

The Oyo State Government has strongly refuted circulating media reports that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away.

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The false news emerged on Monday night, sparking widespread speculation that the revered monarch, aged 89, had joined his ancestors.

In response to these claims, Wasiu Olatunbosun, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, confirmed that the Olubadan is alive and in good health. He spoke directly with one of the monarch’s sons, Prince Olaseke Owolabi Olakulehin, who reassured him of the monarch’s wellbeing.

“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,” Olatunbosun assured the public.

Furthermore, Gbenga Ayoade, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, dismissed the rumors. He confirmed that there were no signs of distress when he left the palace at 8 p.m. the previous evening. Ayoade also confirmed that the monarch had not been flown out of Ibadan for medical treatment, emphasizing that the Olubadan remains in the city and is in good health.

“Baba is still in Ibadan. He has not flown anywhere. He is doing very fine,” Ayoade stated.

Oba Olakulehin, who was officially installed as the Olubadan by Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, is preparing to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 5.

The Oyo State Government has urged the public to disregard the baseless rumors and await official updates on the monarch’s health.