Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oyo state, died this morning at the age of 90. Tributes have since started pouring in for the revered traditional ruler and elder statesman who served as the paramount monarch of Ibadan.
Born on July 5, 1935, Oba Olakulehin’s death comes just two days after he marked his 90th birthday.
Background
The late Olubadan was a retired military officer who ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun. He emerged through the Egbe Agba (civil) line of the Ibadan chieftaincy succession system, which is known for its structured, rotational process.
In 1970, he enlisted in the Nigerian Army through a Direct Short Service Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers. During the course of his military career, he served in various parts of the country and steadily rose to the rank of Major. He held several leadership positions, notably as Commanding Officer of the Army Maintenance Regiment in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos. He retired from the army on October 1, 1979.
Following his military service, Olakunlehin established FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, a construction contracting firm, and founded Olakunlehin Press (later rebranded as Solid Prints) as well as FAKOL Bakery—all based in the city of Ibadan.
Oba Olakunlehin also ventured into politics. In 1992, he contested and won a seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing the Ibadan South East Constituency. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.
Before becoming Olubadan, he held the title of Balogun of Ibadanland in the Ibadan traditional council.
Health Challenges
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s ascension to the throne was initially delayed due to concerns about his health, with it only going ahead after political and traditional stakeholders affirmed his fitness for the role.
His passing has triggered the beginning of the selection process for his successor in accordance with Ibadan’s established chieftaincy hierarchy.
