Oba Olakulehin, Olubadan of Ibadan, Passes Away Two Days After Celebrating 90th Birthday

 

‎Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadan, passed away on July 7, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. 

‎His death occurred 15 months after his coronation as the 43rd Olubadan on July 12, 2024, by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. 

‎Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village near Akanran, Ibadan, to Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni, Olakulehin had a distinguished career in education, the military, business, and politics.

‎He began his education at St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, and later attended Islamic School, Odoiye, and St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo. 

‎After briefly teaching at a primary school in Wakajaiye, Akobo, he studied printing and artwork at Yaba Technical Institute. In 1970, he joined the Nigerian Army as a Second Lieutenant, rising to Major and serving as Commanding Officer of the Army Maintenance Regiment in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos before retiring in 1979.Post-military, Olakulehin founded FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, a construction firm, Olakunlehin Press (later Solid Prints), and FAKOL Bakery in Ibadan. In 1992, he won a seat in the House of Representatives for Ibadan South East under the Social Democratic Party, serving as Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.

‎On July 5, 2025, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu praised Olakulehin’s 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary, lauding his wisdom, leadership, and dedication to Yoruba culture and nation-building. 

‎The monarch’s passing marks the end of a remarkable life of service to Ibadan and Nigeria.

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