The 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, has died at age 90, barely two days after celebrating his milestone birthday and receiving presidential congratulations for his contributions to Nigerian society.
Thank you for reading this post; don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel here!
The traditional ruler passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, bringing an end to a reign that began just 12 months prior, when he ascended to one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional thrones.
The city of Ibadan had recently celebrated both his 90th birthday on July 5 and the first anniversary of his coronation, which took place on July 12, 2024.
A Life of Service Across Decades
Born in 1935 in Okugbaja village near Akanran, Oba Olakulehin’s journey to the throne spanned multiple careers and decades of public service. His path was far from typical for a traditional ruler, encompassing military service, business ventures, and political leadership.
After completing his education at various schools, including St. James Primary School and Yaba Technical Institute, where he studied printing and artwork, Olakulehin initially worked as a teacher before joining the Nigerian Army in 1970 as a second lieutenant.
His military career proved distinguished, rising through the ranks to Major and serving as Commanding Officer of Army Maintenance Regiments in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos before retiring on October 1, 1979.
Business and Political Leadership
Following his military service, the future monarch established himself as a successful entrepreneur, founding FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, a construction firm, along with Olakunlehin Press (later Solid Prints) and FAKOL Bakery, all based in Ibadan.
His commitment to public service extended into politics when he won a House of Representatives seat in 1992 under the Social Democratic Party, representing Ibadan South East Constituency. During his legislative tenure, he chaired the House Committee on the Nigerian Army, bringing his military experience to bear on national defence matters.
Presidential Recognition
Just days before his death, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had issued a statement celebrating Oba Olakulehin’s 90th birthday and his first year as Olubadan.
“At 90, His Majesty embodies the rare blend of age-old wisdom, service, and enduring leadership through decades of selfless dedication to nation-building and community development,” President Tinubu said in the Friday statement.
The president praised him as “a foremost traditional ruler, custodian of culture and tradition, and a revered elder statesman who has devoted his life to serving humanity and preserving Yoruba tradition, identity, and values.”
Brief but Significant Reign
Oba Olakulehin’s coronation on July 12, 2024, by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, marked the beginning of what was expected to be a transformative reign for Ibadanland. At 89, he was one of the oldest monarchs to ascend the throne, bringing decades of varied experience to traditional leadership.
His death leaves the ancient city of Ibadan mourning a leader who embodied the convergence of traditional authority with modern experience, having served his community and nation across multiple spheres of life.
The circumstances surrounding his death and succession arrangements are expected to be announced by palace officials and the Oyo State government in the coming days.
Follow the AkweyaTV channel on WhatsApp: http://bit.ly/3I7mQVx
Or scan the QR code:
