THE Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away.
Olakulehin died at the age of 90.
A family source who confirmed to News Point Nigeria noted that the monarch died in the early hours of Monday.
His death comes at the peak of celebrations for his 90th birthday and the first anniversary of his reign as Olubadan of Ibadan land.
He succeeded the late Oba Lekan Balogun.
The late Olakulehin was installed as the 43rd Olubadan on June 14, 2024, after succeeding Oba Balogun.
Oba Olakulehin celebrated his 90th birthday on Saturday, July 5 – just 48n hours ago.
Last Friday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu issued a statement felicitating the monarch on his 90th birthday, 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.
Olakunlehin 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, Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He commenced his primary education at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, and also attended the Islamic School, Odoiye, before completing his studies at St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan.
After primary school, Olakunlehin worked briefly as a teacher at a primary school in Wakajaiye, Akobo area of Ibadan. He later gained admission to Yaba Technical Institute, where he pursued vocational studies in printing and artwork.
In 1970, he enlisted in the Nigerian Army through a Direct Short Service Commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers. During the course of his military career, he served in various parts of the country and steadily rose to the rank of Major. He held several leadership positions, notably as Commanding Officer of the Army Maintenance Regiment in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos. He retired from the army on October 1, 1979.
Following his military service, Olakunlehin transitioned into business. He established FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, a construction contracting firm, and founded Olakunlehin Press (later rebranded as Solid Prints) as well as FAKOL Bakery—all based in the city of Ibadan.
Olakunlehin also ventured into politics. In 1992, he contested and won a seat in the House of Representatives under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing the Ibadan South East Constituency.
During his tenure, he served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.