Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, has passed away just a year into his reign. He died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025 — two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.
Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, when he was officially presented with the staff of office by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. His passing marks the end of a brief but significant reign over the ancient city of Ibadan.
Born into the Okugbaja family in the Ita Baale area of Ibadan, the late monarch came from the military line of the traditional Olubadan succession system, which alternates between the civil and military ranks.
Earlier in March 2025, reports of his death had circulated, but the Oyo State government quickly dispelled the rumours. His demise now comes barely one year after he succeeded Oba Olalekan Balogun, who died in March 2024 at age 81, after spending two years on the throne.
With Oba Olakulehin’s passing, the revered stool of the Olubadan will now revert to the civil line. One of the top contenders for the throne is High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State and current Otun Olubadan, who is next in the line of succession.
The late monarch’s tenure, though brief, was seen as a continuation of the rich heritage and cultural legacy of Ibadanland. His death marks another turning point in the long-standing traditional leadership of the Yoruba megacity.
