The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away at the age of 90.
According to reliable sources, the revered monarch died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025.
His passing occurred during celebrations marking both his 90th birthday and the first anniversary of his coronation as Olubadan, making the loss especially emotional for the people of Ibadan and Oyo State.
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A Monarch of Peace and Progress, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin
Crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland in July 2024, Oba Olakulehin was widely respected for his wisdom, discipline, and deep commitment to Yoruba culture.
Though his reign was brief, it was impactful, defined by peacebuilding, community development, and modernisation efforts in Ibadan.
Early Life and Education
Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja Village near Akanran in present-day Oyo State, Oba Olakulehin came from a humble background. His father, Pa Ishola‑Okin Owolabi, and mother, Madam Adunola Aweni Opo Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi, raised him with strong moral values.
He began schooling at St James Primary School, Oke‑Akaran, continued at the Islamic School in Odoiye, and completed his primary education at St Peter’s Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan.
He taught briefly in Wakajaiye, Akobo, before relocating to Lagos for further studies.
He pursued printing and artwork at Yaba Technical Institute and earned both OND and HND in Building from Yaba College of Technology.
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Service in Government and the Military
In 1959, he joined the Ministry of Works, Western Region, as a third-class clerk. By 1970, he had enlisted in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers through the Direct Short Service Commission.
His military career took him across Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos, eventually rising to the rank of major. He retired from active service on October 1, 1979, after a distinguished career.
Business and Political Life
Post-retirement, Oba Olakulehin established several businesses in Ibadan, including:
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FAKOL Nigeria Ltd (construction),
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Olakulehin Press (later Solid Prints), and
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FAKOL Bakery.
He also ventured into politics. As a founding member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State, he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, representing Ibadan South-East Constituency.
He chaired the House Committee on the Nigerian Army, a role that benefited from his military background.
Traditional Ascent to the Throne
Oba Olakulehin’s rise followed Ibadan’s unique succession system. He became Mogaji of the Ige Olakulehin family in 1983. By 1986, he had assumed the title of Jaagun Balogun.
In 2006, he joined the Olubadan-in-Council, and by 2016, he was named Balogun of Ibadanland.
On July 12, 2024, he was crowned Olubadan at Mapo Hall, where Governor Seyi Makinde presented him with the staff of office. The ceremony was celebrated throughout Ibadan and across the Yoruba-speaking region as a historic and culturally rich event.
Legacy and Impact
Oba Olakulehin was a devoted Christian and a firm believer in community progress. He promoted digital classrooms in Ibadan schools and championed youth empowerment and cultural heritage.
Under his leadership, the palace became a centre for peaceful dialogue and unity among traditional rulers.
His life embodied humility, discipline, and service to the people, the state, and the nation.
Final Rites
Further announcements regarding funeral arrangements and traditional rites are expected from the Olubadan-in-Council in the coming days.
