Olubadan of Ibadanland dies at 90, just days after birthday and near coronation anniversary

Summary

• Oba Owolabi Olakulehin passes away two days after marking his 90th birthday
• His nearly one-year reign remembered for peace, tradition, and community transformation
• Otun Olubadan, Rasheed Ladoja, expected to succeed him as 44th Olubadan

Ibadan, Nigeria – The ancient city of Ibadan is in mourning following the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away in the early hours of Monday, 7 July 2025, at the age of 90. His death came just two days after he celebrated his 90th birthday and as the city prepared to mark the first anniversary of his coronation, which took place on 12 July 2024.

A visit to the Oke Aremo official palace of the Olubadan of Ibadaland this morning revealed strict scrutiny of vehicular movement as the only vehicle allowed entrance was a detailed police van. Within the edifice, palace staff were seen hanging around the premises and speaking in hushed tones. At the Alalubosa GRA private residence of of the Oba Olakulehin, sympathisers trooped in to condole with family while the ancestral home of the Monarch in the Ita Baale area of Ibadan was in a sombre mood.

Born on 5 July 1935 into the Okugbaja family in Ita Baale, Ibadan, Oba Olakulehin came from the Balogun (military) line of succession. He ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun, Ali Okumade II, who died at 81 after a two-year reign.

Oba Olakulehin’s death was confirmed by several respected sources, including former Oyo State Commissioner of Information, Toye Arulogun, and the former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Adebayo Oyero, who formally informed Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde.

Despite battling ill health before his ascension, a matter the state government had previously downplayed, Oba Olakulehin’s reign was marked by efforts to foster peace, strengthen community development, and uphold Yoruba cultural values. President Bola Tinubu led national tributes, describing him as “a symbol of royal excellence,” while the Emir of Ilorin and the Alaafin of Oyo praised his humility and unifying presence.

In keeping with Ibadan’s rotational succession system, the throne is expected to shift to the Otun (civil) line, with High Chief Rasheed Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State and the current Otun Olubadan, the next in line. To this end, jubilation erupted at Arusa Compound, Isale Osi, the ancestral home of the former governor. Ladoja is currently abroad but is anticipated to return to take up the mantle as the 44th Olubadan.

Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the Olubadan-in-Council, with proceedings to follow traditional Ibadan customs and Islamic rites. As the city grieves, many have continued to eulogise Oba Olakulehin’s wisdom, humility, and tireless dedication to the progress of Ibadanland.