Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Olubadan Of Ibadanland, Laid To Rest In Solemn Ceremony.
The city of Ibadan was steeped in solemnity as His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, was laid to rest following his passing on 7 July 2025, just two days after his 90th birthday. The burial service and graveside rites, held in accordance with Yoruba tradition, drew dignitaries, traditional leaders, and mourners from across Nigeria to honour a monarch whose life was marked by wisdom, service, and an unwavering commitment to his people.
The funeral proceedings, conducted at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, were a poignant reflection of Oba Olakulehin’s remarkable legacy. Born on 5 July 1935 in Okugbaja Village, near Akanran in Oyo State, the late monarch rose from humble beginnings to become a revered figure in Ibadan’s history. His journey included a distinguished military career, serving as a Major in the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers, and a successful stint in politics as a member of the House of Representatives in the Third Republic. His ascension to the Olubadan throne on 12 July 2024, following a grand coronation attended by notable figures including President Bola Tinubu’s representative, was a testament to his enduring influence.
The burial service was presided over by the Oluwo of Ibadanland, Chief Wahab Popoola Labosinde, who performed traditional rites, including the symbolic use of Akoko leaves, to honour the departed monarch. Mourners paid tribute to Oba Olakulehin’s dedication to preserving Yoruba culture and fostering unity in Ibadanland. His contributions to community development, particularly in advocating for agricultural investment, were widely praised, with many recalling his recent discussions with the Belgian Ambassador about Ibadan’s potential for agricultural growth.
President Tinubu, in a statement released prior to the monarch’s passing, described Oba Olakulehin as “a foremost traditional ruler, a custodian of culture and tradition, and a revered elder statesman who devoted his life to serving humanity.” These sentiments echoed throughout the graveside ceremony, where tributes highlighted his selflessness and leadership.
The late Olubadan’s life was a blend of tradition and modernity. After retiring from the military, he founded FAKOL Nigeria Limited, a building contracting company, and served as a key figure in Ibadan’s traditional council, rising to Balogun of Ibadanland before his coronation. His reign, though brief, was marked by significant milestones, including the elevation of six chiefs in the Balogun royal line, ensuring the continuity of Ibadan’s structured succession system.
As Ibadan bids farewell to a beloved leader, the city now looks to the future with the Otun Olubadan, Oba Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, positioned as the next in line for the throne. The unity displayed during the burial rites underscores the strength of Ibadan’s traditional system, a legacy Oba Olakulehin championed until his final days.
The outpouring of grief and respect from the people of Ibadan and beyond serves as a fitting tribute to a monarch whose life embodied service, wisdom, and cultural pride. His Imperial Majesty Oba (Dr.) Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations.
