Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Passes Away at 90

 

By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi / Posted July 7, 2025

The ancient city of Ibadan is in mourning following the death of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90. The monarch’s death, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday and coinciding with the first anniversary of his coronation, has sparked an outpouring of grief across Oyo State and beyond.

The late Olubadan was Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale, near Akanran in Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Oba Olakulehin lived a distinguished life of service. A product of St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, Islamic School, Odoiye, and St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo, he briefly taught at Wakajaiye, Akobo, before studying printing and artwork at Yaba Technical Institute. His career began as a clerk at the Ministry of Works, Western Region, in 1959, followed by a notable military career as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army’s Corps of Engineers, retiring as a Major in 1979. He later ventured into business, founding FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, Olakulehin Press, and FAKOL Bakery, and served as a House of Representatives member (1992–1993) under the Social Democratic Party. His journey to the throne began in 1983 as Mogaji of the Ige Olakulehin Family, culminating in his role as Balogun of Ibadanland before his coronation.

Oba Olakulehin Crowned on June 14, 2024, and presented with the staff of office by Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, Oba Olakulehin’s one-year reign was marked by a commitment to peace, cultural preservation, and community development. Despite health challenges that delayed his ascension, he oversaw key traditional promotions within the Balogun royal line and fostered unity in Ibadanland. His leadership was praised for its wisdom and reconciliation efforts within the traditional institution, making him only the second Olubadan to occupy an official palace.

 The news of Oba Olakulehin’s death has elicited profound sorrow. Governor Seyi Makinde, informed by a delegation led by Chief Adebayo Oyero, described the monarch’s passing as “a great loss to the ancient city of Ibadan,” emphasizing his significant legacy in Oyo State’s cultural history. The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, mourned, stating, “A good heart has stopped beating,” and praised Olakulehin’s indelible contributions. The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, highlighted the monarch’s peaceful reign and cultural contributions. President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued days before, had celebrated Olakulehin’s “immense contributions to community development and national unity.” Social media posts on X reflected public grief, with users noting the poignant timing of his passing during his birthday and coronation celebrations.

Oba Olakulehin’s legacy is defined by his dedication to Yoruba heritage and peace. As a custodian of tradition, he promoted cultural festivals and resolved community disputes, earning admiration as a unifying figure. His diverse career—spanning military service, politics, and business—reflected his adaptability and commitment to Ibadan’s progress. His reign, though brief, strengthened the Olubadan chieftaincy system, known for its orderly succession between the Balogun and Otun lines.

The Olubadan-in-Council has yet to announce official funeral plans, but preparations are expected to follow Ibadan’s customs and Islamic rites, given the monarch’s religious background. Drawing from past traditions, as seen in the burial of Oba Lekan Balogun in 2024, the late Olubadan is likely to be laid to rest at his ancestral home, potentially preceded by a lying-in-state at Mapo Hall, with tributes from the royal family, traditional chiefs, and dignitaries.

Who is the next Olubadan? Per Ibadan’s rotational chieftaincy system, the throne now shifts to the Otun (civil) line. High Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, a former Oyo State Governor (2003–2007) and the current Otun Olubadan, is poised to become the 44th Olubadan. Ladoja, who accepted the beaded crown in August 2024, has expressed readiness to ascend the throne, as confirmed in a radio interview on Fresh FM. His designation as “Oba L’ola” (future king) and his seniority in the Otun line position him as the successor, pending confirmation by the Olubadan-in-Council and Governor Makinde’s endorsement.

The passing of Oba Olakulehin marks the end of a significant chapter in Ibadan’s history, but his legacy as a peacemaker and cultural icon endures. The city awaits further details on funeral arrangements and the formal ascension of the next Olubadan.