Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Duoye Diri, has condoled with the government and people of Oyo State over the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Diri also expressed sympathy to the natives of Ibadan in a statement released on Tuesday by his chief press secretary, Mr. Daniel Alabrah, who described the foremost monarch a father to all, a bridge builder, and a unifier.
The governor recalled the conferment of the Most Outstanding Friend of Ibadan award on him by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes in May this year, an honour presented to him by the monarch through the Otun Balogun and former governor of the state, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, in Ibadan.
Diri said the late paramount ruler “cemented the bonds of unity between his people, Oyo State and the government and people of Bayelsa.”
He also stated that the royal father’s support, guidance and peaceful, albeit brief, reign “engendered an environment for the growth and development of Ibadan land and Oyo State in general” under the focused leadership of Governor Oluseyi Makinde.
While mourning Oba Olakulehin’s death, Diri encouraged the state’s citizens and Ibadan natives to find solace in the late nonagenarian monarch’s noble legacy and exceptional life.
In addition, he prayed to God to grant his subjects, the governor, and the citizens of the State the strength to bear the loss.
