Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. His death marked the end of a brief but significant reign, as he had officially received his staff of office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, succeeding the late Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun.

Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale, Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Olakulehin’s life was characterized by diverse and impactful contributions. His educational journey began at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, and Islamic School, Odoiye, before he completed his primary education at St. Peter Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan. After a brief period as a teacher, he pursued vocational studies in printing and artwork at Yaba Technical Institute, and later obtained an Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Building from Yaba College of Technology.

A distinguished military career saw him join the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers in 1970 as a Second Lieutenant through a Direct Short Service Commission. He rose through the ranks to Major, holding key leadership positions as Commanding Officer of the Army Maintenance Regiment in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos. He voluntarily retired from the Nigerian Army on October 1, 1979, after a remarkable twenty-year career.

Following his military service, Oba Olakulehin transitioned into business, establishing several ventures in Ibadan, including FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, a construction firm; Olakulehin Press (later rebranded as Solid Prints); and FAKOL Bakery. He also embarked on a notable political career, winning a seat in the House of Representatives in 1992 under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing Ibadan South East Constituency, where he chaired the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.

His ascension to the revered position of Olubadan began in 1983 when he was installed as the Mogaji of his ancestral compound, the Ige Olakulehin Family of Ita-Baale Olugbode, Ibadan. He steadily rose through the civil chieftaincy line, eventually becoming the Balogun of Ibadanland, one of the most senior and esteemed chieftaincy titles. His journey to the top was slow and steady, exemplifying virtues of patience and duty. Throughout his life, Oba Olakulehin was widely respected for his calm leadership, his unwavering advocacy for peace, and his commitment to resolving community disputes through dialogue. He was also a passionate custodian of Yoruba culture, actively encouraging traditional festivals, supporting cultural groups, and promoting the use of the Yoruba language, serving as a symbol of unity and integrity in Ibadan.

Following Oba Olakulehin’s passing, former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja, currently holding the title of Otun Olubadan, is now set to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. Under Ibadan’s unique rotational system, the stool, which alternates between the civil and military lines, will now return to the civil line, with Mr. Ladoja being the highest-ranking chief. His ascension is subject to the Olubadan-in-Council’s formal nomination and subsequent official approval by Governor Seyi Makinde. Born on September 25, 1944, Ladoja, a trained engineer, businessman, and politician, had previously accepted the status of a “beaded crown Oba,” a new legal requirement for ascending the throne.

Condolences poured in from prominent figures across Nigeria. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde sympathized with the royal family, pledging the state’s unwavering support and promising a dignified and befitting burial for the late monarch. President Bola Tinubu expressed deep shock, describing Oba Olakulehin’s death as a “huge national loss” and eulogizing him as a symbol of wisdom, continuity, peace, and enduring statesmanship. Senate President Godswill Akpabio also extended his heartfelt condolences, highlighting the Oba’s character, integrity, and lasting impact on traditional institutions, despite his relatively brief reign on the throne.