Breaking: Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi, Passes Away at 90

By: Julian Osamoto

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has died at the age of 90.

According to a family source who confirmed the news to Journalists, the revered monarch passed away in the early hours of Monday, just days after his 90th birthday celebration and the first anniversary of his coronation.

Oba Olakulehin was officially installed as the 43rd Olubadan on June 14, 2024, succeeding the late Oba Lekan Balogun. His brief but impactful reign was marked by efforts to uphold Ibadan’s cultural heritage and promote unity among its people.

He celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday, July 5, and received accolades from across the country, including a goodwill message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who hailed him as a symbol of wisdom, service, and enduring leadership.

“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 stated.

Oba Olakulehin was widely regarded as a custodian of Yoruba culture and a committed elder statesman who devoted his life to serving humanity and preserving tradition.

Biography

Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale, near Akanran in Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Olakulehin was the son of Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Ope Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi.

He began his education at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, and also attended Islamic School, Odoiye, before completing his studies at St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan. He later taught briefly at a primary school in Wakajaiye, Akobo area.

His pursuit of vocational studies took him to Yaba Technical Institute, where he specialized in printing and artwork.

In 1970, Olakulehin joined the Nigerian Army through the Direct Short Service Commission and served in the Corps of Engineers. He rose to the rank of Major and held key leadership roles, including Commanding Officer of the Army Maintenance Regiment in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos. He retired from military service on October 1, 1979.

Following his military career, he ventured into entrepreneurship, founding FAKOL Nigeria Ltd (a construction firm), Olakunlehin Press (later Solid Prints), and FAKOL Bakery—all based in Ibadan.

In 1992, he entered politics and was elected to the House of Representatives under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing the Ibadan South East Constituency. He served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.

Oba Olakulehin’s legacy spans military service, business innovation, political engagement, and traditional leadership, leaving an indelible mark on the history of Ibadanland.