Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Passes Away at 90

The ancient city of Ibadan has been thrown into mourning following the passing of its revered traditional ruler, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Born on July 5, 1935, Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan following the death of his predecessor, Oba Moshood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okumade II, who died on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.

He received his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, in a ceremony that marked a new chapter in the rich history of Ibadan’s traditional leadership.

A Monarch of Grace and Wisdom

Oba Olakulehin was widely respected for his deep wisdom, calm leadership style, and unwavering dedication to preserving Ibadan’s customs and unity. His reign, though brief, was marked by a commitment to peace, community development, and the continued relevance of traditional institutions in modern governance.

His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of the Ibadan people, the Oyo State traditional council, and countless Nigerians who admired him for his humility and elder statesmanship.

Tributes Pour In

Condolences and tributes are already pouring in from political leaders, cultural icons, and citizens across the country. Governor Makinde, in a statement, described the late monarch as “a father to all and a symbol of Ibadan’s enduring legacy.”

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Ibadan Traditional Council in the coming days.

A Legacy Remembered

Though Oba Olakulehin’s reign lasted just a year, his impact as a custodian of Yoruba culture and a bridge between tradition and modernity will be remembered for generations to come.