Oba Owolabi Olakulehin Crowned 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan

Ibadan, Oyo State – In a grand ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has been crowned the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan land.

The event, attended by Governor Seyi Makinde, traditional rulers, and dignitaries, marks a significant milestone in the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Oba Olakulehin’s coronation ends a 41-year wait for the Okugbaja family at Ita Baale Olugbode to reach the highest rank in the Olubadan chieftaincy ladder. The late Oba Lekan Balogun, who passed away on March 14, 2024, was the predecessor to the throne.

The new Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, is a respected leader and custodian of Ibadan culture, poised to lead the city forward with wisdom and grace. Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja Village, near Akanran, Oba Olakulehin is 89 years old and has had a distinguished career spanning the military, politics, and entrepreneurship.

Before his coronation, Oba Olakulehin served in the Nigerian Army for 25 years, disengaging in 1979. He was also a member of the House of Representatives and chaired the House Committee of the Nigerian Army. Additionally, he founded FAKOL Nigeria Ltd., a building contracting company, and owned a printing press and a bakery.

The coronation ceremony showcased the rich cultural traditions of Ibadanland, featuring music, dance, and pageantry. As the first from his lineage to become the Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin’s ascension marks a new chapter in the history of Ibadan. Notably, he will be the first occupant of the newly commissioned Palace of the Olubadan of Ibadan, a modern architectural masterpiece that symbolizes the city’s growth and development.

As the people of Ibadan celebrate the ascension of their new monarch, Oba Olakulehin’s reign is expected to bring prosperity, peace, and progress to the city.