One year after the passing of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige I), the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arọba I), has paid glowing tribute to the late monarch, describing him as a peaceful, disciplined and visionary traditional ruler whose legacy continues to shape the progress of the ancient city.

Oba Ladoja made the remarks on Sunday during a one-year remembrance service held in honour of the late monarch at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.

In a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the monarch said the late Oba Olakulehin left behind an enduring legacy of peace, unity and development that would remain a reference point in the history of Ibadanland.

According to him, Oba Olakulehin distinguished himself as a renowned traditional ruler whose reign strengthened harmony among traditional institutions and promoted stability across the ancient city.

Ladoja noted that the late monarch made history as the first Olubadan to occupy and reign from the newly completed Olubadan Central Palace at Oke Aremo, describing the milestone as one of the defining achievements of his reign.

He added that throughout Oba Olakulehin’s time on the throne, Ibadanland experienced remarkable peace, accelerated development, unity and social stability, attributes he said reflected the monarch’s disciplined leadership and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his people.

Reflecting on the late monarch’s impact, the Olubadan said his predecessor’s life and reign remain worthy of celebration, stressing that his contributions to the growth of Ibadanland would continue to inspire future generations.

He also commended traditional rulers, sons and daughters of Ibadanland for sustaining the peaceful atmosphere currently prevailing in the ancient city and prayed for the continuous preservation of peace, progress and development.

Delivering the sermon at the remembrance service, the Provost of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Very Rev. Samuel Kayode Olawoyin, urged Christians to strive for holiness and uprightness in their daily lives, reminding the congregation that believers are called to live according to the teachings of the Gospel of Mark.

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin passed away on July 7, 2025, after a brief illness. During his lifetime, he was a devoted member of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.

The remembrance service attracted members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including the Otun Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Kolawole Adegbola, and the Ashipa Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi.

Also in attendance were members of the Olakulehin family led by Aremo Olasunmbo Olakulehin, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) led by its President-General, Barrister Ajeniyi Ajewole, Prelate Emeritus Sunday Ola Makinde, Chief Bode Amoo, clergymen, Mogajis, Baales, sons and daughters of Ibadanland, as well as other dignitaries who gathered to honour the memory of the late monarch.