The Oyo State Government has strongly denied reports circulating in the media that the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away. The government described the rumors as false, misleading, and a deliberate attempt to cause unnecessary panic among the people of Ibadan and beyond.
On Monday night, reports surfaced on several media platforms, claiming that the 89-year-old traditional ruler had passed away. However, when contacted by The Bureau Newspaper, top government officials and palace sources dismissed the reports, urging the public to disregard them.
Olubadan is Alive and in Good Health – Oyo Government
Speaking to The Bureau Newspaper, the Oyo State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, debunked the claims, insisting that the monarch is in good health and there is no cause for alarm.
"Yes, 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 rumors being spread."
Palace Officials Dismiss Reports as Baseless
Similarly, the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, in an exclusive chat with The Bureau Newspaper, assured that the monarch remains strong and is carrying out his daily activities without any issues.
"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 also refuted claims that the monarch had been flown out of Ibadan for medical attention, calling the speculation a figment of the imagination of rumor peddlers.
"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 Prepares for 90th Birthday Amidst Health Speculations
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who was officially presented with the staff of office by Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, is set to celebrate his 90th birthday on July 5, 2025.
A palace source who spoke exclusively to The Bureau Newspaper expressed concern over the continuous spread of unverified news, urging Nigerians to rely on credible media outlets for accurate information about the health of traditional rulers and other public figures.
"It is disturbing how some people are quick to spread false information. We urge the public to disregard these unfounded rumors and rely on verified news sources. The Olubadan is fine, and we are looking forward to celebrating his 90th birthday in grand style," the source said.
The false reports of the Olubadan’s death have once again highlighted the dangers of misinformation in the digital age. As of the time of filing this report, the revered monarch remains in his palace in Ibadan, Oyo State, attending to his responsibilities as the paramount ruler of the Ibadanland.
Oyo State Debunks Olubadan’s Death Rumors