The Olubadan of Ibadan, His Imperial Majesty, Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), is dead.
According to Tribune Online, the monarch died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025.
His death comes barely 12 months after he ascended the revered throne of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital
Olakunlehin was born on July 5, 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 what is now Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.
He began his primary education at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, and also attended the Islamic School, Odoiye, before completing his studies at St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan.
After finishing primary school, Olakunlehin worked briefly as a teacher at a primary school in Wakajaiye, Akobo area of Ibadan. He later gained admission to Yaba Technical Institute, where he pursued vocational studies in printing and artwork.
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. Over 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 transitioned into business. He 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.
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.
Oba Olakulehin celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday, July 5.
He ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, following his coronation by Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, serving as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Last Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a statement felicitating with the monarch on his 90th birthday, which fell on July 5, and the first anniversary of his coronation as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, which occurred on July 12.
“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 statement said.
President Tinubu described Oba Olakulehin as a foremost traditional ruler, custodian of culture and tradition, and a revered elder statesman who has devoted his life to serving humanity and preserving Yoruba tradition, identity, and values.
