LIFE AND TIMES OF 43RD OLUBADAN, OBA OWOLABI OLAKULEHIN (1935-2025)
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, embodies a life of service, resilience, and royalty, rising from a humble village boy to a revered traditional monarch.
Oba Olakulehin was born on 5 July 1935 to the family of Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Ope Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale near Akanran in present day Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.
He passed away at the age of 90, bringing an end to a life defined by service, humility, and a deep-rooted commitment to tradition.
His death, which occurred on Monday, July 7, 2025, just two days after his 90th birthday, was confirmed by palace sources.
The monarch had reigned for nearly a year following his coronation on July 12, 2024, after the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
Oba Olakulehin began his primary school education at St James Primary School, Oke Akaran, Islamic School, Odoiye, but eventually finished at St Peter Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan.
After graduating from primary school, Olakulehin taught briefly as a primary school teacher at Wakajaiye in the Akobo area of Ibadan and subsequently gained admission to Yaba Technical Institute for vocational study in printing and artwork.
He later pursued technical education at Yaba Technical Institute, earning OND and HND qualifications in Building from Yaba College of Technology.
His life took a decisive turn when he joined the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers in 1970.
Rising to the rank of Major, he served under then-Col. Olusegun Obasanjo and contributed to major engineering projects across Nigeria.
He retired honorably in 1979 and transitioned into business, founding several successful ventures including FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, FAKOL Bakery, and Solid Prints Press.
Oba Olakulehin also had a notable political career. A founding member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State, he was elected to the House of Representatives in 1992, where he chaired the Army Committee and played a key role in national legislative oversight.
His journey to the throne began in 1983 when he became Mogaji (head of family) of the Ige Olakulehin family. He ascended the traditional ladder through the Balogun (military) line, becoming Jagun Balogun in 1986 and eventually Balogun of Ibadanland in 2016.
In keeping with Ibadan’s unique chieftaincy succession system, which alternates between the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) lines, Oba Olakulehin was crowned Olubadan on July 12, 2024, by Governor Seyi Makinde at Mapo Hall.
Known for his humility, devotion to God, and commitment to development, Oba Olakulehin has focused his reign on enhancing education, healthcare, cultural preservation, and unity in Ibadanland.
A respected father figure with deep roots in the Kusidi aristocratic lineage, his story is a testament to service, tradition, and visionary leadership.
Owolabi Olakulehin was a Christian and he was married with children.
As the Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin remains a symbol of continuity, reminding the people of Ibadan and Nigeria at large of the strength found in heritage and the enduring power of character.
Ibadanland will remember Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin as a soldier, politician, statesman, and monarch — a man who carried the weight of tradition with quiet strength and lived a life in service to his people.
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