Olubadan Oba Olakulehin Dies At 90

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has joined his ancestors.

The monarch, who ascended the throne in July 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne.

The demise of Oba Olakulehin, born July 5, 1935, is coming barely two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

According to reports, a family source who confirmed to Channels Television 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.

Recall that Oba Olakulehin received the staff of office from Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne from the chieftaincy rung of Balogun Olubadan, following the demise of Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, died at the age of 81 years on March 14, 2024.

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 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.