BREAKING: Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin, is dead

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has joined his ancestors.

Tribune Online learnt that the 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. 

The demise of Oba Olakulehin, born July 5, 1935, is coming barely two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. 

ALSO READ: Who’s the next Olubadan? 6 things you should know about Obaship system in Ibadan 

Tribune Online reports that Oba Olakulehin received the staff of office from Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. 

ALSO READ: PHOTOS: Drummers, well-wishers throng residence of ‘next-in-line’ to Olubadan stool

Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne from the chieftaincy rung of Balogun Olubadan, following the demise of Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died at the age of 81 years on March 14, 2024.

Confirming the development, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, stated that even though losing the monarch was painful, however, God has designed a period of time every soul must return to Him.

Makinde assured that the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin will be given a befitting burial.

The Governor made this known while receiving a delegation from the family, including the former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Aare Mayegun of Ibadanland, Chief Bayo Oyero; the younger brother of the deceased Olubadan, Mr. Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin; and the son of the deceased, Aremo Olasumbo Owolabi.

“We don’t always want them to go; we want them to stay with us. But God has designed our bodies for a certain period of time.

ALSO READ: Olubadan: Alaafin commiserates with Oba Olakulehin’s family

“I commiserate with the family and all of us. The government will definitely stand by the family and play whatever roles we are supposed to play, including giving Kabiyesi a befitting burial,” governor Makinde said.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE