BREAKING: Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Dies at 90 — Just One Year After Ascending Throne

Ibadanland is draped in mourning as the revered Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, has passed away at the age of 90, barely a year after his historic ascension to the throne.

The monarch, who was crowned on July 12, 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

The news of his passing has plunged Oyo State into a deep wave of sorrow, marking the end of one of the shortest yet profoundly symbolic reigns in the ancient city's modern history.

Oba Olakulehin, a respected military officer turned monarch, took over the revered stool following the death of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun, and was installed as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland after a long-standing seniority-based succession tradition.

A figure of dignity and experience, he was seen by many as a bridge between Ibadan’s traditional heritage and modern political realities.

Born on July 5, 1935, Oba Olakulehin’s journey to the throne was anything but conventional. Before his coronation, he had served in various capacities — as a teacher, a military officer, a businessman, and a politician.

He joined the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s and rose to the rank of Major before retiring in 1979.

He later ventured into business and was elected into the House of Representatives in 1992, where he served as the Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.

Despite his advanced age and initial health concerns at the time of his appointment, the Olubadan managed to keep the city united during his brief reign.

Traditional chiefs, indigenes, and stakeholders in Ibadan praised his wisdom and calm disposition. His presence brought a stabilizing aura to the Olubadan-in-Council, especially during periods of political tension within Oyo State.

His death has triggered a constitutional process of succession, governed by the rotational chieftaincy structure unique to Ibadan. Since Oba Olakulehin hailed from the Balogun (military) line, the next Olubadan is expected to emerge from the Otun (civil) line.

All eyes are now on Otun Olubadan and former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, who is next in the line of succession and widely believed to be the likely successor — should tradition hold.

As news of the monarch’s death filters through the city and across the nation, messages of condolence have begun pouring in from traditional institutions, political leaders, and citizens.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to officially announce a mourning period and make burial arrangements public in the coming days.

For Ibadan, this is not just the passing of a king — it is the end of an era. Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s brief reign will be remembered for its quiet dignity, its call for unity, and its reflection of a life long dedicated to service in various forms.

His journey from the military barracks to the royal palace stands as a testament to Ibadan’s deep-rooted respect for tradition, order, and earned leadership.

As the drums of mourning begin to roll, Ibadan prepares to bid farewell to a monarch who may have sat briefly on the throne, but whose legacy will linger in the hearts of his people.

May Oba Owolabi Olakulehin rest in eternal peace.