By Kogi News Tribune | July 7, 2025
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), has passed away, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. The revered monarch died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, according to reports by Tribune Online.
Oba Olakulehin’s death comes barely a year after ascending the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, a position he formally assumed on July 12, 2024, following his coronation by Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde.
Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale, near Akanran in present-day Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Oba Olakulehin was the son of Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Ope Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi.
He began his early education at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, and later attended Islamic School, Odoiye, completing his basic studies at St. Peter’s Primary School in Aremo, Ibadan. After a brief stint as a school teacher, he pursued vocational studies at Yaba Technical Institute, specializing in printing and graphic arts.
In 1970, he joined the Nigerian Army through a Direct Short Service Commission and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers. During his distinguished military career, he served across various commands and rose to the rank of Major. He notably held leadership roles in maintenance regiments in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos before retiring from service on October 1, 1979.
Following his retirement, Oba Olakulehin ventured into business and entrepreneurship. He founded FAKOL Nigeria Ltd., a construction company; Olakunlehin Press (later Solid Prints); and FAKOL Bakery—all based in Ibadan.
His entry into politics came in 1992 when he won election to the House of Representatives under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing Ibadan South East Federal Constituency. During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.
Oba Olakulehin’s 90th birthday was celebrated just this past Saturday, July 5. In a tribute issued by the Presidency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised the monarch’s lifetime of service, describing him as “a foremost traditional ruler, custodian of culture and tradition, and a revered elder statesman.”
“At 90, His Majesty embodies the rare blend of age-old wisdom, service, and enduring leadership through decades of selfless dedication to nation-building and community development,” the President said.
As the city of Ibadan and the Yoruba nation mourn the passage of a monarch who symbolized dignity, public service, and cultural preservation, tributes are expected to pour in from traditional institutions, political leaders, and citizens across the country.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced by the Ibadan traditional council.
