Two days after his 90th birthday, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has joined his ancestors. The revered monarch died today, Monday July 7th, 2025.
His passing comes less than a year after his official coronation on July 12, 2024, when he received the staff of office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and became the 43rd Olubadan. He succeeded the late Oba (Dr) Moshood Lekan Balogunwho passed away in March 2024 at the age of 81
Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja Village near Akanran, Oba Olakulehin lived a life marked by service in multiple forms: military, political, entrepreneurial, and traditional.
He began his early education at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, and later completed his studies at St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo. After a brief stint as a teacher, he pursued vocational training in printing and artwork at Yaba Technical Institute.
In 1970, Olakulehin joined the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers through the Direct Short Service Commission. He served for 25 years, retiring in 1979 with the rank of Major.
His post-military life saw him dive into business, founding companies like FAKOL Nigeria Ltd (construction), Solid Prints, and FAKOL Bakery, which became notable for supplying bread across Ibadan.
His leadership journey continued in 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, where he chaired the House Committee on the Army during Nigeria’s short-lived Third Republic.
Oba Olakulehin began his traditional leadership journey in 1983 when he was installed as Mogaji (family head) of the Ige Olakulehin family in Ita-Baale. He progressed steadily, taking on titles like Jagun Balogun, Ajia, Aare Ago, Osi Balogun, Otun Balogun, and finally becoming Balogun of Ibadanland in 2016.
On July 12, 2024, he was crowned Olubadan, a position that symbolised the apex of a structured, merit-based chieftaincy system unique to Ibadanland. His ascension, while coming late in life, was widely celebrated as a product of dedication and a testament to the patience embedded in the Ibadan traditional council’s lineage system.
