The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away.
Olakulehin died at the age of 90.
His death came at the peak of celebrations for his 90th birthday anniversary and the first anniversary of his reign as Olubadan of Ibadan land. This is 12 months after he ascended the revered throne of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
According to family sources, the monarch died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025.
He succeeded the late Oba Lekan Balogun.
He ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, following his coronation by the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, serving as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, after succeeding Oba Balogun.
Oba Olakulehin celebrated his 90th birthday anniversary on Saturday, July 5.
He 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.
Last Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a statement felicitating the monarch on his birthday anniversary, 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.
Makinde Mourns the Passing of Olubadan
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has mourned the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
While receiving a delegation from the family of the Kabiyesi, Makinde said that the state government would give the monarch a befitting burial.
“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will stay with the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial,” he said.
“I will ask all the members of the family to take heart. Coincidentally, today marks the 13th year since my father passed on. So, for the immediate family, I pray for strength.
“We don’t always want them to go; we want them to stay with us. But God has designed our bodies for a certain period,” Makinde added.
Other members of the delegation included the former president-general of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero; the younger brother of the deceased Olubadan, Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin; and the son of the deceased, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.