13 Facts About Late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, passed away on Monday, July 7, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

A former Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Toye Arulogun, confirmed the monarch’s death, adding that an official statement would be issued soon.

Oba Olakulehin‘s passing comes exactly one year after he ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan.

13 Facts About the Late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin:

1. Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin was born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, near Akanran in the Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State.
2. He was the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
3. He began his education at St. James Primary School in Oke Akaran and completed it at St. Peter Primary School in Aremo, Ibadan.
4. After primary school, he briefly worked as a teacher in Wakajaiye before enrolling at Yaba Technical Institute to study printing and artwork.
5. In 1959, he began his civil service career as a third-class clerk in the Ministry of Works, Western Region, while pursuing higher education at Yaba College of Technology, where he earned both OND and HND in Building.
6. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1970 through the Direct Short Service Commission, serving in the Corps of Engineers and rising to the rank of major before retiring in 1979.
7. He held commanding roles in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos during his military career.
8. After retiring, he became a businessman, establishing FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, Olakulehin Press (later Solid Prints), and FAKOL Bakery in Ibadan.
9. He ventured into politics and, in 1992, won a seat in the House of Representatives under the Social Democratic Party (SDP), representing Ibadan South East Constituency.
10. While in the House, he chaired the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.
11. His traditional leadership journey began in 1983 when he became the Mogaji of the Ige Olakulehin family. He rose through the ranks to become the Balogun of Ibadanland.
12. He was crowned Olubadan on July 12, 2024, and ruled until his death on July 7, 2025.
13. A devout Christian, Oba Olakulehin was married with children.