Breaking: Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olakulehin, is Dead

Breaking: Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olakulehin, is Dead

  • The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has joined his ancestors at the age of 90
  • Oba Olakulehin passed away on Monday morning, July 7, 2025, one year after he ascended the throne
  • The late Oba Olakulehin received the staff of office from Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland

Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf has over 9 years of experience covering public affairs.

Ibadan, Oyo state - Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, is dead.

Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Olakulehin dies a year after he received the staff of office from Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo state, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Tears as Olubadan Oba Olakulehin dies a year after receiving the staff of office from Oyo governor Seyi Makinde to become the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. Photo credit: @NigeriaStories
Source: Twitter

As reported by the Nigerian Tribune, the first-class monarch, who ascended the throne in July 2024, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne.

Olubadan Oba Olakulehin's death trends

Vanguard and Channels Television also reported the development, although details of the monarch's death are still sketchy.

The demise of Oba Olakulehin, born July 5, 1935, is coming barely two days after he celebrated his 90th birthday. He had succeeded the late Oba Lekan Balogun.

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Royal drummers march to Ladoja’s residence as palace confirms Olubadan's passing

With the passing of Oba Olakulehin five days to his first anniversary, Governor Seyi Makinde is now set to crown his third Olubadan: 2022, 2024, and now 2025.

Ibadan mourns as Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, dies one year after coronation.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state mourns as Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, dies a few days after his 90th birthday. Photo credit: Seyi Makinde
Source: Facebook

Makinde mourns Olubadan

Meanwhile, Governor Makinde released a statement mourning Olakulehin's exit.

The governor said Oyo state would stand by the late monarch's family and give Olakulehin a befitting burial.

Vanguard quoted the Oyo governor as saying:

“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will definitely stay with the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial.’
“I will ask all the members of the family to take heart. Coincidentally, today marks the 13th year since my father passed on. So, for the immediate family, I pray for strength.”

Sultan of Sokoto mourns late Olubadan

In the same vein, Muhammadu Sa'ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto, expressed sorrow over the death of the Olubadan.

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In a condolence message signed by Alhaji Sai’idu Maccido, secretary to the Sultanate Council, on Monday, July 7, the Sultan described the late southwest monarch as a “remarkable leader and good-hearted giant in thought and action".

The Sultan stated that Olakulehin's reign was brief but impactful, adding that the nonagenarian 'left an indelible mark on Ibadan and Nigeria at large'.

Abubakar extended sympathies to the Oyo state government, the royal family, and members of the Olubadan-in-Council, noting that Oba Olakulehin’s contributions to the development of Ibadanland and humanity would not be forgotten.

Read more Ibadan news:

Olubadan issues warning

Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Olakulehin declared the title of Sarkin Sasa null and void.

The monarch said Sarkin Sasa was not recognised by the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy law, adding that Chief Akinade Ajani Amusa was the authentic Baale of Sasa land.

Proofreading by James Ojo, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Ridwan Adeola avatar

Ridwan Adeola (Current Affairs Editor) Ridwan Adeola Yusuf is a content creator with more than nine years of experience, He is also a Current Affairs Editor at Legit.ng. He holds a Higher National Diploma in Mass Communication from the Polytechnic Ibadan, Oyo State (2014). Ridwan previously worked at Africa Check, contributing to fact-checking research works within the organisation. He is an active member of the Academic Excellence Initiative (AEI). In March 2024, Ridwan completed the full Google News Initiative Lab workshop and his effort was recognised with a Certificate of Completion. Email: ridwan.adeola@corp.legit.ng.

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