President Bola Tinubu has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died at the age of 90 on Monday July 7, 2025.
In a condolence message issued by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the President described the late monarch as a bridge between tradition and modernity, noting that his wisdom and moral authority were a stabilising force in Ibadanland and across the Yoruba nation.
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President Tinubu extended heartfelt condolences to the royal family, the government and people of Oyo State, and the entire Ibadanland on the loss of a revered traditional ruler, statesman, and symbol of peace and continuity.
He said the monarch lived a life of dedicated service to his people, state, and country.
“Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was not only a custodian of Ibadan’s rich history and culture but also a man of intellect and principle whose contributions extended beyond the palace into education, governance, and national development. His passing is a significant loss to Ibadanland and the nation,” the President stated.
President Tinubu revealed that he had recently received an invitation from the monarch to attend his 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary, adding that the monarch’s death days before the event was shocking.
“He will be remembered for upholding the honour and prestige of his highly revered stool,” the President said.
Born on 5 July 1935 in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale near Akanran in the present-day Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oba Olakulehin ascended the throne on 14 March 2024, following the death of Oba (Dr) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II.
He rose through the ranks of Ibadan’s traditional succession system, which alternates between the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) lines.
A distinguished academic, the monarch held a master’s degree in administration and economics and pursued doctoral studies. He lectured at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and was respected for his integrity and principle-driven scholarship. He avoided praise-singing and focused on progressive research and public accountability.
President Tinubu prayed for the peaceful repose of the monarch’s soul and urged the people of Ibadan to take solace in his exemplary life and enduring values.
PIAK