The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday and one year after ascending the throne on July 12, 2024. Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Oyo State, Oba Olakulehin was crowned the 43rd Olubadan following the death of his predecessor, Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun, on March 14, 2024. He received the staff of office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, marking a reign characterized by wisdom and unity, as noted by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and President Bola Tinubu, who recently felicitated him.
Oba Olakulehin, who rose through the Balogun (military) line after serving as Mogaji of the Ige Olakulehin family since 1983, had a distinguished career, including military service in the Nigerian Army, a stint as a primary school teacher, and a term as a House of Representatives member in 1992 under the Social Democratic Party. Earlier rumors of his death in March 2025 were debunked by the Oyo State Government and his Chief Press Secretary, Gbenga Ayoade, confirming his health at the time. The succession process, alternating between the Otun (civil) and Balogun lines, points to Oba Rasheed Ladoja, Otun Olubadan, as the likely next Olubadan, pending Governor Makinde’s approval
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