Ibadanland has been thrown into mourning as the Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away at the age of 90. The revered monarch died in the early hours of Monday, a family source confirmed to Channels Television.
His death comes just days after he marked his 90th birthday on Saturday, July 5, and was preparing to celebrate the first anniversary of his coronation as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, a position he ascended on June 14, 2024, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Friday issued a congratulatory message to the monarch, commending him for a lifetime of wisdom, service, and leadership. The president described Oba Olakulehin as a custodian of Yoruba culture and tradition, an elder statesman, and a symbol of dignity and integrity in public service.
A Life of Service: From Soldier to Monarch
Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale, near Akanran, Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Olakulehin’s life was one of dedication and resilience.
He began his early education at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, and later attended St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan. His working life started as a teacher before pursuing vocational studies at Yaba Technical Institute, specializing in printing and artwork.
In 1970, he joined the Nigerian Army through a Direct Short Service Commission and served in the Corps of Engineers, rising to the rank of Major. His military career saw him command critical regiments in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos before his retirement in 1979.
Post-military service, Oba Olakulehin ventured into business, establishing FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, a construction company, alongside Olakunlehin Press (later Solid Prints) and FAKOL Bakery in Ibadan. He also delved into politics, winning a House of Representatives seat under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in 1992, where he served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.
Legacy of Leadership and Community Development
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s reign, though brief, was marked by advocacy for community empowerment, cultural preservation, and grassroots development in Ibadanland. His passing is a significant loss not just to the traditional institution of Ibadan but to the wider Yoruba nation.
The family and Ibadan Traditional Council are expected to announce burial arrangements in the coming days.
