RIP: An Iroko Falls in Oyo Kingdom As Olubadan of Ibadanland Dies at 90

By Ogungbayi Beedee Adeyemi / Posted July 7, 2025

The Nigerian nation, especially the western region was thrown into mourning following the death of the royal 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, happening two days after celebrating his 90th birthday which coincided with the first anniversary of his coronation, sparked an outpouring of grief across Oyo State and beyond.

Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com

President Bola Tinubu, in a statement issued days before the demise of the monarch, had celebrated Olakulehin’s “immense contributions to community development and national unity”.

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 Limited, Olakulehin Press, and FAKOL Bakery. He forayed into politics, where he served as a Member, House of Representatives (1992–1993) under the flag of the Social Democratic Party. Afterwards, his traditional journey to the revered throne began in 1983 when he was appointed as Mogaji of the Ige Olakulehin Family, culminating in his role as Balogun of Ibadanland before his ascension to the throne of his ancestors when he was coronated 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland,.

Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com

Oba Olakulehin was officially crowned on June 14, 2024 and presented the staff of office by Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024. His one-year reign was marked by a commitment to peace, cultural preservation and community development. Previously, he has some health challenges which delayed his ascension but was able to assume royal duties with the support of his chiefs-in-council. 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.

Immediately after the demise of the revered Oba, a delegation of Chiefs led by Chief Adebayo Oyero, visited the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to inform him of the sad development. The governor, in deep expression of sorrow, 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, expressed shock at the monarch’s death, stating, “A good heart has stopped beating,” and praised Olakulehin’s indelible contributions.

Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com

Other first class traditional rulers across Nigeria poured in their deep sentitments, with the Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, noting the monarch’s peaceful reign and cultural contributions.

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.

Subscribe To The Best Team In Conservative, Business, Technology, Lifestyle And Digital News Realtime! support@ddnewsonline.com

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.

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.