TEARS IN IBADAN: Olubadan Olakulehin Dies at 90, Just Two Days After Birthday Celebration

In a devastating blow to the people of Ibadanland, the revered Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away at the age of 90, just two days after celebrating what would be his final birthday. The monarch’s death was confirmed late Monday night, bringing an abrupt and sorrowful end to a reign that lasted only a year but left an indelible mark on the city’s storied history.

The palace, normally abuzz with royal activities and traditional rites, was plunged into mourning as news of the king’s passing spread like wildfire. The tragic timing of the death, so soon after what was meant to be a joyful occasion, has added a bitter note to the grief. The 90th birthday celebration had been modest but filled with goodwill, well-wishes, and tributes to a king who many believed had brought calm, unity, and cultural pride back to the ancient Yoruba city. Now, his people are grappling with the sudden void left behind by his departure.

Oba Olakulehin, who ascended the throne in 2024, was one of the oldest to ever hold the title of Olubadan. His selection followed the passing of the late Oba Lekan Balogun, and while his reign was short-lived, it was widely seen as significant for stabilizing the traditional council and upholding the values of justice, humility, and wisdom. Those who had hoped for a renaissance under his leadership now find themselves in mourning, reflecting on a reign that ended almost as soon as it began.

In Ibadan and beyond, the atmosphere is heavy. Shops and markets across the city are gradually shutting their doors in respect, and cultural institutions are preparing for the traditional rites of passage for a departed monarch. Streets around the palace have seen an influx of mourners—some crying, some silent, all visibly shaken by the news. The state government is also expected to declare a mourning period to honor the revered royal figure.

Though frail at the time of his ascension, Oba Olakulehin was determined to serve and lead. Despite initial concerns about his health, he proved to be remarkably active in royal duties. He attended cultural events, presided over critical council meetings, and became a unifying symbol for the Ibadan elite and commoners alike. His wisdom, gained over decades of public service and traditional leadership, earned him the respect of both young and old.

A close aide to the palace, who asked not to be named, revealed that the monarch had shown no signs of distress during his birthday celebrations. “Kabiyesi was happy. He even prayed for everyone present. There was laughter, there was music, and he looked content. Nobody imagined that just two days later, we would be planning his funeral,” the aide said, visibly struggling to contain his emotions.

The passing of Oba Olakulehin marks yet another chapter in the rich but turbulent history of the Olubadan stool. The traditional system in Ibadan is unique and deeply revered, structured by a well-ordered line of succession among two ruling lines—the Egbe Agba (civil) and the Balogun (military). Oba Olakulehin, before becoming monarch, had risen through the ranks in the military line, earning his place over many years of dedication to the traditional system. His journey to the throne was a testament to patience, service, and respect for custom.

Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to issue an official statement in the coming hours, and top government officials are already in contact with the Olubadan-in-Council regarding plans for the final rites. Traditionalists and kingmakers, known as the high chiefs of Ibadan, have been summoned to an emergency meeting to begin the succession process and manage the mourning rituals. The immediate concern, however, is giving the late monarch a befitting farewell, worthy of a king who spent nearly a century serving his people.

Social media has also erupted in tributes, as political leaders, celebrities, and ordinary Nigerians express their shock and condolences. The hashtag #Olubadan90 is trending across platforms, with users posting pictures from his birthday ceremony and sharing fond memories of the king’s calm demeanor and deep commitment to Ibadan’s development. For many, this isn’t just the loss of a traditional ruler—it is the end of an era.

Churches, mosques, and traditional shrines are offering prayers for the repose of the king’s soul, and clerics across faiths are calling for unity among the people of Ibadan in the wake of the tragedy. Already, cultural performers are preparing for the rituals that will accompany the king’s passage into the afterlife, while historians are digging up archival records to document his legacy.

Olubadan Olakulehin’s time on the throne may have been brief, but his legacy, rooted in decades of service to Ibadanland, will endure. From his days as a respected elder statesman and traditional chief, to his short reign as king, he remained a symbol of peace and tradition in a city that often straddles the line between modernity and its proud heritage.

In a country where traditional institutions are constantly navigating the pressures of contemporary politics and society, Oba Olakulehin was a reminder of the enduring power of royal dignity, cultural knowledge, and communal leadership. His passing comes as Nigeria itself faces deep economic and social tensions, and for many, he was a rare elder whose wisdom provided perspective in chaotic times.

Now, as the ancient drums of mourning begin to beat and Ibadan prepares to bury its king, there is a collective pause across Yorubaland. Elders are invoking ancestral spirits for strength, and youths are being reminded of the values the late Olubadan embodied. His picture, draped in black cloth, now hangs silently in the palace—a stark reminder of how swiftly joy can turn to sorrow.

As tradition demands, the city must now look ahead to choosing the next Olubadan. But today, there is no talk of succession, only the echoes of loss and remembrance. Oba Olakulehin has joined the ancestors. He has walked the final path of kings. May his soul rest in perfect peace.