Ibadan Mourns as Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, Passes at 90
The ancient city of Ibadan has been plunged into mourning following the peaceful passing of its traditional ruler, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. The revered monarch "joined his ancestors" in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, just two days after celebrating his milestone birthday.
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Oba Olakulehin's reign, though brief at just over a year, held significant cultural and traditional weight. He ascended the revered throne on July 12, 2024, receiving the staff of office from Oyo State Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde. He succeeded the late Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who passed away on March 14, 2024.
Tributes Pour In for Departed Monarch
News of Oba Olakulehin's demise elicited an outpouring of condolences from across the nation. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde expressed profound grief, acknowledging the pain of losing a monarch but emphasizing it as part of divine will. He assured the grieving family that the state government would ensure a befitting burial for the late Olubadan.
President Bola Tinubu also extended his heartfelt sympathies, describing Oba Olakulehin as a "revered traditional ruler, statesman, and a symbol of peace, wisdom, and continuity." While no official cause of death was publicly disclosed by the family, it is widely understood the nonagenarian monarch passed away due to natural causes.
Unique Succession System Paves Way for Next Olubadan
Ibadan's traditional rulership is renowned for its unique and highly structured succession system, which stands apart from many other Yoruba monarchies. It operates on a rotational basis between two principal lines: the Balogun (Military) Line and the Otun (Civil) Line (also known as Egbe Agba). Oba Owolabi Olakulehin ascended from the Balogun line.
Becoming the Olubadan is a journey of extensive experience, requiring a male indigene of Ibadan to progress through a long and well-defined chieftaincy ladder. This involves starting from a lower rank, such as "Jagun," and steadily ascending through as many as 22 to 23 stages, depending on their specific line. This arduous progression ensures that by the time an individual reaches the pinnacle, they possess a deep understanding of Ibadan's rich traditions and governance.
Following Oba Olakulehin's passing, the established succession dictates that the next Olubadan will emerge from the Otun (Civil) Line. This points directly to High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, a former Governor of Oyo State, who currently holds the title of Otun Olubadan. As the most senior chief in that line, he is poised to ascend the revered throne. Reports indicate that High Chief Ladoja was out of the country at the time of Oba Olakulehin's demise but is expected to return soon to commence the formal ascension process.
The installation of a new Olubadan is a culturally significant event in Ibadanland, rich in tradition and ceremony, and the process is anticipated to follow established protocols to ensure a seamless transition of power.
