10 key things to know about late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin

Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday, was the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Though he spent less than a year on the throne, his legacy touched many areas of life, traditional leadership, military service, politics, and business.

Here are ten key facts to know about the late monarch;

1. Birth

Oba Olakulehin was born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village near Akanran, which is now part of Ibadan North East Local Government Area.

His parents were Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Ope Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi, and he belonged to the respected Ige Olakulehin family.

2. Ascension to the throne

He ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland on July 12, 2024, after the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun.

His reign lasted less than a year but was seen as a period of calm and dignity.

3. Military career 

In 1970, Olakulehin joined the Nigerian Army through the Direct Short Service Commission.

He served in the Corps of Engineers and rose to the rank of Major. He held command positions in cities like Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos before retiring in 1979.

4. Political role 

After his military career, he joined politics. In 1992, he was elected into the House of Representatives under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing Ibadan South East Constituency.

He served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.

5. Business ventures 

Oba Olakulehin ran several businesses in Ibadan. He established FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, a construction company; Olakulehin Press (later renamed Solid Prints); and FAKOL Bakery.

These ventures contributed to Ibadan’s economy and provided jobs for many.

6. Traditional role 

He became the Mogaji (family head) of his compound in 1983 and gradually climbed the ranks in the Balogun line, one of Ibadan’s two royal succession lines, until he became Olubadan.

7. Academic qualification

After primary school, he taught briefly before attending Yaba Technical Institute, where he studied printing and visual arts.

He later earned his OND and HND in Building from Yaba College of Technology.

8. Faith

Oba Olakulehin practised Christianity and was known for his calm and disciplined lifestyle.

He was married with children and maintained strong family values throughout his life.

9. Philanthropy 

His life spanned several areas—education, public service, military, politics, business, and traditional leadership.

He was widely respected for his contributions to Ibadan and Nigeria as a whole.

10. Death

Oba Olakulehin died peacefully on July 7, 2025, just two days after his 90th birthday.

His passing marked the end of a remarkable chapter in Ibadan’s history.