By Ayomide Otitoju
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away at the age of 90.
Family sources confirmed to the monarch died in the early hours of Monday, just days after celebrations marking his 90th birthday and the first anniversary of his ascension to the throne.
Oba Olakulehin was installed as the 43rd Olubadan on June 14, 2024, succeeding the late Oba Lekan Balogun.
President Bola Tinubu had recently congratulated the monarch on his milestone birthday and coronation anniversary. In a statement released last Friday, Tinubu described the Olubadan as “a foremost traditional ruler and custodian of Yoruba culture, who exemplified age-old wisdom and decades of selfless leadership.”
Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village near Akanran, Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Olakulehin began his education at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran. He later attended Islamic School, Odoiye, and completed his studies at St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan.
He worked briefly as a teacher before enrolling at Yaba Technical Institute, where he studied printing and artwork.
In 1970, Olakulehin joined the Nigerian Army via the Direct Short Service Commission. He served in various parts of the country and rose to the rank of Major in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, commanding units in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos before retiring in 1979.
After his military service, Olakulehin ventured into business, founding several enterprises including FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, Olakunlehin Press (later Solid Prints), and FAKOL Bakery, all based in Ibadan.
He was also active in politics and won a seat in the House of Representatives in 1992 under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing Ibadan South East Constituency.
His death marks the end of a distinguished life of military service, entrepreneurship, political engagement, and traditional leadership. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family and Oyo State government in the coming days.
