THE former National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, CON, who holds the chieftaincy title of Aare Fiwajoye of Ibadanland, has expressed deep sorrow and heartfelt condolences over the demise of the revered monarch, the 43rd Olubadan, His Imperial Majesty, Dr. Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away at the age of 90 years.
In a heartfelt statement personally signed by him, Dr. Ganduje described the late monarch as “a unifying force and custodian of Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage” who, despite a reign lasting just under a year, brought dignity, continuity, and stability to the ancient city.
He also identified the late Oba Olakulehin as “a monarch of uncommon wisdom, dignity, and progressive spirit whose reign brought remarkable peace, unity, and cultural renaissance to Ibadanland and beyond.”
“I received with great sadness the news of the passing of my father, my friend, and my royal ally, His Imperial Majesty, Dr. Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin,” Dr. Ganduje stated.
“As the Aare Fiwajoye of Ibadanland, I was honoured to have witnessed firsthand the strength of character, intellectual depth, and inclusive leadership that Kabiyesi embodied throughout his reign. He was not only a traditional ruler but a bridge-builder who extended his hand of friendship across ethnic, political, and religious divides.”
He recalled his investiture with the chieftaincy title of Aare Fiwajoye, noting that the honour further deepened the bond between Kano and Ibadan, the North and the South-West, and between him and the people of Oyo state.
“Kabiyesi was a monarch whose wisdom transcended boundaries. His commitment to unity, culture, and justice will remain a guiding light for future generations. His passing is a monumental loss, not only to the people of Ibadan and Oyo state but to Nigeria as a whole.”
He extended condolences to the Olubadan-in-Council, the Oyo state government, the traditional institutions in Yorubaland, and the entire sons and daughters of Ibadanland, urging them to take solace in the impactful life and legacy of their departed king.
“May Allah, in His infinite mercy, forgive Kabiyesi’s shortcomings, reward his good deeds, and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus. And may He strengthen the hearts of the royal family, the Ibadan traditional council, and the good people of Ibadan to bear this irreparable loss with fortitude.”
Dr. Ganduje prayed for a peaceful and smooth transition in the ancient and esteemed Ibadan chieftaincy institution.
