The ancient city of Ibadan don enter mourning as the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, don die at the age of 90. The respected monarch reportedly pass away for early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, just two days after him mark him 90th birthday and less than one week before the first anniversary of him coronation. Family source wey confirm the news talk say the king die peacefully for him palace.
Oba Olakulehin become the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland on June 14, 2024, after the passing of Oba Lekan Balogun. Even though him reign short, people both home and abroad hail am for the way him carry the throne with wisdom, humility, and full respect for Yoruba tradition. Throughout him time as king, peace and cultural pride return to the heart of Ibadanland.
Wetin make the king death touch people well pass be say he just celebrate him 90th birthday on Saturday, July 5, surrounded by family, chiefs, and well-wishers. Preparations don already start for the celebration of one year since him ascend the throne, wey supposed happen on July 12, before the sad news of him death come change the mood of the city.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, wey don earlier drop tribute last Friday to honour the monarch, describe Oba Olakulehin as
“A foremost traditional ruler, a custodian of Yoruba culture and values, and an elder statesman whose life reflected decades of selfless service to Nigeria.”
Before he become king, Oba Olakulehin don already spend decades inside public service and Ibadan traditional leadership structure, as he rise through the civil line of the Olubadan succession. He dey known for promoting unity, encouraging youth involvement, and upholding culture with pride and dignity. Many Ibadan people call am a true father of all.
As the news of him passing spread, the whole of Ibadan don go quiet. Markets slow down, people dey gather in small groups to reflect, and traditional leaders don begin emergency meetings to plan burial rites and decide the next step for the throne. According to Ibadan tradition, the Olubadan title dey rotate between the civil and military lines, and the next king go emerge from the set of high-ranking chiefs wey next in line.
The death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin mark the end of a chapter in Ibadan history. A chapter of calm leadership, cultural pride, and royal humility. Even though him reign short, his legacy go last long inside the heart of Yoruba land and beyond.
May his soul rest in peace.
