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10 Things To Know About Late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
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He was a soldier, businessman, politician, and respected traditional ruler.
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Rashidi Ladoja is expected to become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has passed away at the age of 90.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that his reign as the 43rd Olubadan was brief but notable, and his life journey reflected a blend of military service, political involvement, business leadership, and traditional royalty. Below are ten key facts about his life and legacy.
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He was born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja Village near Akanran, Oyo State, to Pa Ishola-Okin and Madam Adunola Owolabi.
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He attended St. James Primary School, then moved to Islamic School at Odoiye, and later completed his education at St. Peter’s Primary School, Aremo. He further studied printing and artwork at Yaba Technical Institute.
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After his education, he briefly worked as a teacher in Akobo, Ibadan, before joining the Ministry of Works in 1959. He later obtained OND and HND qualifications in Building from Yaba College of Technology.
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In 1970, he joined the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers through the Direct Short Service Commission and served in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos, rising to the rank of Major before retiring in 1979.
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After his military career, he established several businesses including FAKOL Nigeria Limited, a construction company, Olakulehin Press (later known as Solid Prints), and FAKOL Bakery in Ibadan.
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In 1992, he was elected as a member of the House of Representatives for Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and served as Chairman of the House Army Committee.
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His chieftaincy journey began in 1983 when he became Mogaji of the Ige Olakulehin family. He became Jagun Balogun in 1986 and later joined the Olubadan-in-Council in 2006, eventually becoming the Balogun of Ibadanland.
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He was crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland on July 12, 2024, and was presented with the staff of office by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
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Oba Olakulehin passed away on July 7, 2025, during the celebrations marking his 90th birthday and the first anniversary of his coronation.
Late Olubadan -
Former Oyo State Governor and the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Ladoja, is next in line to ascend the throne following Oba Olakulehin’s death.
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