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.