News
JUST-IN: Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, dies at 90
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), has passed away.
According to reports from Tribune Online, the revered monarch died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025.
His death comes just 15 months after ascending the prestigious throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State.
Born on July 5, 1935, Oba Olakunlehin hailed from the family of Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Ope Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale, within the present-day Ibadan North East Local Government Area.
His early education took him through St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran; Islamic School, Odoiye; and St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan.
After primary school, he briefly worked as a teacher before advancing to Yaba Technical Institute for vocational studies in printing and artwork. In 1970, he joined the Nigerian Army via Direct Short Service Commission, rising to the rank of Major in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers.
He notably served as Commanding Officer of the Army Maintenance Regiment in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos before retiring on October 1, 1979.
Oba Olakunlehin later ventured into business, establishing FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, a construction firm, Olakunlehin Press (later Solid Prints), and FAKOL Bakery, all headquartered in Ibadan.
His influence extended into politics, where in 1992, he won a seat in the House of Representatives under the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing Ibadan South East Constituency. While in office, he chaired the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.
The late monarch turned 90 on July 5, 2025, an occasion marked by nationwide tributes, including a special congratulatory message from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Tinubu had lauded him as a symbol of enduring leadership, wisdom, and devotion to the preservation of Yoruba cultural heritage.
Oba Olakunlehin ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, following his coronation by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. His reign, though brief, was widely respected for its commitment to traditional values and community development in Ibadanland.
His death marks the end of an era for the people of Ibadan and the wider Oyo State traditional council.
Customs seizes contraband worth ₦1.4bn in Ogun, generates ₦45m revenue in July
Vandalism of Power facilities blamed for frequent national grid collapse
FCT Police arrest 116 in Abuja drug raids, 27 charged to Court
Ebonyi Govt shuts down mining site after pit collapse kills Two
Police deny viral poster claiming Iyabo Ojo is wanted
Gwagwalada-Giri – Zuba express highway in deadly gridlock
Mining Marshals Boss, Attah Onoja seeks media support in Fight Against Illegal Mining
Illegal mining funds banditry, costs Nigeria $9bn annually – FCT Police Commissioner
FG’s revenue shore up from N6bn to N38bn following Mining Marshalls’ establishment
Stakeholders unite in battle against illegal mining at NUJ Workshop
Stakeholders unite in battle against illegal mining at NUJ Workshop
Naira Marley breaks silence on Mohbad’s death, shares his side of the story
Customs seizes contraband worth ₦1.4bn in Ogun, generates ₦45m revenue in July
Ogun APC suspends ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel, Folarin over alleged anti-party activities
Tinubu abolishes 5% Telecom Excise Duty to ease burden on Nigerians
Flood ravages Kebbi Rice Farms, Farmers cry out for urgent intervention
Police deny viral poster claiming Iyabo Ojo is wanted
UK Inflation hits 3.8% in July, highest level of 2024
Vandalism of Power facilities blamed for frequent national grid collapse
FG’s revenue shore up from N6bn to N38bn following Mining Marshalls’ establishment
-
National News1 day agoStakeholders unite in battle against illegal mining at NUJ Workshop
-
Entertainment1 day agoNaira Marley breaks silence on Mohbad’s death, shares his side of the story
-
News5 hours agoCustoms seizes contraband worth ₦1.4bn in Ogun, generates ₦45m revenue in July
-
News1 day agoOgun APC suspends ex-Governor Gbenga Daniel, Folarin over alleged anti-party activities
-
National News1 day agoTinubu abolishes 5% Telecom Excise Duty to ease burden on Nigerians
-
Metro1 day agoFlood ravages Kebbi Rice Farms, Farmers cry out for urgent intervention
-
Entertainment6 hours agoPolice deny viral poster claiming Iyabo Ojo is wanted
-
World News1 day agoUK Inflation hits 3.8% in July, highest level of 2024