The Olubadan of Ibadan land, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), has died. Tribune Online reports that the monarch passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025.
His passing comes just under a year after his coronation as the 43rd Olubadan, a position he assumed on July 12, 2024, following installation by Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.
Born on July 5, 1935, Oba Olakulehin hailed from Okugbaja village in the Ita Baale area near Akanran, now within Ibadan North East Local Government Area. He was the son of Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Ope Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi.
He received his early education at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, before attending Islamic School in Odoiye and later completing his studies at St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo. After finishing primary school, he briefly worked as a teacher in Wakajaiye, Akobo area of Ibadan.
He went on to study vocational printing and art at Yaba Technical Institute. In 1970, Olakulehin joined the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant through the Direct Short Service Commission. Over the years, he served across Nigeria, rose to the rank of Major, and held key positions, including Commanding Officer of the Army Maintenance Regiment in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos. He retired from the military on October 1, 1979.
After his service, he ventured into business, establishing several enterprises in Ibadan, including FAKOL Nigeria Ltd (a construction firm), Olakunlehin Press (later Solid Prints), and FAKOL Bakery.
In 1992, he entered politics and was elected to the House of Representatives under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing Ibadan South East. While in office, he chaired the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.
The revered monarch marked his 90th birthday on July 5, just two days before his passing. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had publicly celebrated the milestone, recognizing Oba Olakulehin’s lifelong commitment to leadership, public service, and the preservation of Yoruba heritage.
President Tinubu hailed him as a respected royal father and statesman who exemplified wisdom, cultural pride, and selfless dedication to national progress.
