Ibadan, Oyo State — The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), has passed away at the age of 90, marking the end of a brief but impactful reign over one of Nigeria’s most historically significant traditional institutions.
According to sources confirmed by Tribune Online, the revered monarch died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025 — just two days after commemorating his 90th birthday on Saturday, July 5.
Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne in July 2024 and received his staff of office from the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024. He became the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun, and was widely respected for his deep understanding of Ibadan’s cultural heritage and his calm, fatherly leadership style.
His one-year reign, though brief, was marked by efforts to promote unity among the traditional leadership, maintain peace in the ancient city, and preserve the cultural legacy of the Ibadan people.
Born on July 5, 1935, Oba Olakulehin was a respected elder statesman with decades of service in public life before ascending the throne. He rose through the highly structured Olubadan traditional chieftaincy hierarchy, one of the most orderly succession systems in Nigeria.
The news of his passing has cast a shadow of mourning over the city of Ibadan and the entire Oyo State, with sympathies already pouring in from political leaders, traditional rulers, and the people of Ibadanland.
As tradition demands, the Olubadan-in-Council is expected to meet soon to commence the process of selecting his successor from the line of chieftains in waiting, in accordance with the age-old rotation system between the civil and military lines of ascension.
Further details and official statements are expected to be released by the Oyo State Government and the Olubadan-in-Council in the coming hours.
May his soul rest in peace.
