What to Know About Olakulehin, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Who Died Two Days After His 90th Birthday

Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025—just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. His death marked the end of a remarkable life shaped by public service, military discipline, business acumen, political involvement, and traditional leadership.

He reigned as Olubadan from July 12, 2024, until his death, completing nearly a year on the throne. But the journey that led him to become the paramount ruler of Ibadanland was a lifetime in the making.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 5, 1935, in the quiet village of Okugbaja, Ita Baale, near Akanran in present-day Ibadan North East Local Government Area, Olakulehin came from humble beginnings. He was the son of Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Ope Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi.

His early education began at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, and continued at Islamic School, Odoiye. He later completed his primary schooling at St. Peter Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan. Even at a young age, Olakulehin displayed an eagerness to learn and serve.

After completing his primary education, he worked briefly as a teacher in Wakajaiye, Akobo, Ibadan. He then moved to Lagos where he pursued vocational studies in printing and artwork at Yaba Technical Institute.

Public Service and Military Career

In 1959, Olakulehin began his civil service career as a third-class clerk with the Ministry of Works under the Western Region Government in Ibadan. Ambitious and committed to growth, he gained admission into Yaba College of Technology where he studied Building, earning both his Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma.

His quest for greater impact led him to the military. In 1970, through a Direct Short Service Commission, he enlisted in the Nigerian Army and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers.

Olakulehin served the country with dedication. He rose through the ranks, eventually attaining the rank of Major. His leadership was evident in various postings including Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos, where he held command positions in army maintenance regiments. After nearly a decade in service, he retired honorably on October 1, 1979.

Entrepreneurial Pursuits and Business Success

Post-retirement, Olakulehin transitioned smoothly into the business world. He founded FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, a construction firm that contributed to infrastructural development in Ibadan and beyond.

He also established Olakulehin Press, later rebranded as Solid Prints, which catered to the growing demand for quality printing services in the region. In addition, he ventured into the food sector with the launch of FAKOL Bakery, a well-known name among Ibadan residents. His entrepreneurial footprint was a testament to his drive, vision, and resilience.

A Political Journey

In 1992, Olakulehin made a successful foray into politics. He was elected to the House of Representatives under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing Ibadan South East Constituency.

While in the House, he served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army, bringing his military background into legislative service. His time in the National Assembly was marked by commitment to national development and advocacy for military reform.

Climbing the Chieftaincy Ladder

Olakulehin’s path to the Olubadan throne began in 1983 when he became the Mogaji (head) of the Ige Olakulehin family of Ita-Baale Olugbode, Ibadan. Over the following decades, he rose through the chieftaincy ranks in accordance with Ibadan’s unique succession system.

He eventually became the Balogun of Ibadanland, one of the two most senior traditional chiefs in the Olubadan line. His elevation was not just about title—it was about years of service, commitment to customs, and deep respect for the Ibadan traditional institution.

Reign as the 43rd Olubadan

On July 12, 2024, Akinloye Olakulehin was crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, succeeding Oba Lekan Balogun. His ascension brought with it an aura of wisdom and maturity, backed by decades of experience in public service, leadership, and community development.

Though his reign lasted just under a year, it was marked by calm leadership and a renewed sense of unity among the people of Ibadan. He was often described as a quiet but firm ruler—one who understood both tradition and modernity.

Also Read: Oba Saliu Adetunji – The record label boss who waited for 40 years to become Olubadan

Personal Life and Legacy

A devout Christian, Oba Olakulehin was a family man. He was married and blessed with children who carry forward his values of integrity, service, and humility.

His passing on Monday, July 7, 2025, exactly two days after his 90th birthday, is not just the loss of a monarch—it is the departure of a statesman, soldier, entrepreneur, and elder statesman.

Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin will be remembered for a life well-lived—a journey that touched governance, military service, enterprise, and royalty. His legacy will endure in the annals of Ibadan history and in the hearts of those who knew and revered him.