…As Cleric slams politicians over desperation for 2027
By Adeyinka Adeniran
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, members of the Olubadan-in-Council led by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) led by the President General, Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, top government functionaries, family and friends from all walks of life on Friday bid farewell to the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
The late monarch, a retiree of the Nigerian Army was laid to rest in full military honor, which held at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter, Aremo, Ibadan and committed to mother earth at the Church cemetery within the Church compound.
The COAS was represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Ojoo, Major General, Obinna Onubogun. Highpoint of the military burial was the firing of gunshots signalling the departure of the late soldier and the presentation of Nigeria flag to the next of kin
Delivering his sermon to round off the weeklong burial activities, the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province and the Bishop, Ibadan North (Anglican) Diocese, Right Rev’d Dr. Williams Aladekugbe urged the people to be mindful of the life they live noting that on the last day all mortals will give account of their stewardship.
With reference to I Thessalonians 4: 13 – 14, the Cleric said the passing of the monarch is a significant loss to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.
Quoting relevant references, the Cleric recounts that when a true believer in Christ Jesus ends his sojourn on earth, he will rise again, but to a new life.
He said, “..that is where Oba Olakulehin is now. He has left this world of thriving wickedness and the Church militant and he is now at rest in the Church triumphant. 
“So, children, children’s children, relatives, friends, associate and all the good people of Ibadanland, do not grieve endlessly and hopelessly like those who are without Christ. Rather, rejoice and be thankful to the Lord that after this dark world of sin, better things await those who know, love and serve the Lord.
“Take heed that you don’t spend your today in any way that may ruin your tomorrow but remember that all of us will give account to our creator.”
Speaking on the life and times of the late monarch, whom he described as a “great man of faith, man of prayer who was utterly committed to the things of the Lord”, Bishop Aladekugbe said, Oba Olakulehin was ever humble and totally unassuming and his love for God was easily visible in his relationship with people around him.
“Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was not only a custodian of Ibadan’s rich history and culture but also a man of intellect and principle whose contributions extended beyond the palace into education, governance, the military and national development. His life, from soldier to entrepreneur, politician to traditional ruler reflects a legacy of service to Ibadanland. His reign was brief but remarkable.
“He was a leader of grace with heart full of compassion. He was a great father of all in Ibadanland and he stood tall as a harbinger of inclusiveness and fatherhood. Kabiyesi was a devoted Christian and had been a powerful force in every of his subject’s life, imparting strong values and generosity.
“During his reign, he ensured that all residents within his domain enjoyed very peaceful co-existence. Ibadanland and environs similarly witnessed unprecedented development. The traditional institution in the land also experienced transformation that has moved the institution to greater height.
“Kabiyesi’s departure is certainly an irreparable loss but our conviction is that he lived well a life full of legacies, a life dedicated to the service of God and humanity. Baba was there for the unity of the country when he fought gallantry as a military officer during the Nigerian civil war. Undoubtedly, Kabiyesi remains the signature of love, kindness and template for commitment in the things of God and the progress of the society. The late Olubadan lived an impactful life and served Ibadanland with distinction.”
Speaking on the state of the nations, the Cleric condemned the spate at which politicians are showing desperation about the 2027 General elections, saying those promising to spend only one time in office are only showing their height of desperation.
He added, “The hardship in our country continues unabated. The time for mass employment programmes for the teeming population of our youths cannot be later than now.
“Unfortunately, while our government seems to have stabilized the economy, the increase in tariffs of telecommunications at a time when prices have skyrocketed and when poverty level has increased, can only be seen as insensitive and a signal of disconnect with the masses.
“It is very disturbing that while our government needed to settle and address the myriads of problems facing our country, some politicians have been talking about 2027. This is a disgrace to governance, abuse of the people’s mandate and reckless disregard for the concerns of the people.
“As far back as less than two years of President Tinubu in office, shameless politicians have been talking about 2027 instead of focusing on the delivery of good governance. And now it is even worse.”
He said further, “Let me say that any politician bargaining for only one term is a sign of desperation. It will not work. It is also a sign of desperation when you see leaders in their own rights carrying plates, serving food at parties. All these will not work.
“We plead with elected politicians to do the electorate good by concentrating on governance and service to the people and delay political intrigues and the likes till the last year of their term.
“It is deeply regrettable that Nigeria has come to be characterized by insecurity and the life of people is not worth anything again. The rate at which souls are being lost in various parts of our country, due to the activities of bandits, herdsmen, and other nefarious activities must be a matter of concern to every sane person.
“Whether it is in the North, Middle belt, or the South, killings and waste of innocent lives appear to be one common denominator apart from poverty.”
He appeal to President Tinubu to do more in stopping the killings and insecurity across the country.
“We appeal to our government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu to rise to the occasion and stop the killings. The figures that we now have of lost lives are very disturbing to read.
“The primary duty of government is to protect the citizens. We plead with our government to invest in intelligence reporting, equipping the security outfits, and equipment that will enhance surveillance on the activities of these evil men all over the country. The Church shall continue to uphold all levels of government in her prayers.”
