The 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi joined his ancestors in the early hours of Monday, July 7 2025, two days after the royal highness celebrated his 90th birthday.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin who succeeded late Oba Olalekan Balogun days to one year after he ascended the throne. He was installed as Olubadan of Ibadanland on June 14, 2024 and was crowned and presented with the Staff of Office by Governor Seyi Makinde as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland on July 12, 2024.
Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin was born on July 5, 1935 in Okugbaja Village, Ita Baale near Akanran in the present day Ibadan North East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria to the family of Pa Ishola – Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Ope Omoyoade Owolabi.
Oba Olakulehin began his education career at Saint James Primary School, Odoiye, and completed his primary school education at Saint Peter Primary School, Aremo, Ibadan. After his primary education, Olakulehin taught briefly at Wakajaiye in Akobo area of Ibadan.
Thereafter he subsequently gained admission into Yaba Technical Institute for Vocational Study in Printing and Artwork. Owolabi Olakulehin started his working career with Western Region Government in the Ministry of Works where he worked as third – class clerk he then gained admission to Yaba College of Technology in pursuant of higher studies where he obtained both Ordinary National Diploma ( OND) and Higher National Diploma – HND in Building.
In 1970, he enlisted in the Nigeria Army Corps Engineers through a Direct Short Service Commission , and rose to the rank of a Major after undertook different roles and assignments throughout the nation.
He assumed various leadership positions, during his Military career where he served as the Commanding Officer of the Army Maintenance Regiment in Jos, Kaduna, and Lagos and retired as Major on October 1, 1979.
After his retirement from the Army, Olakulehin via into entrepreneurial ventures through FAKOL Nigeria Limited, a Construction Contracting Firm which comprised of Olakulehin Press, which was rebranded as “Solid Prints” and FAKOL Bakery in the City of Ibadan.
Like his predecessors, Olakulehin went into politics and in 1992 contested and won a seat and became members of the House of Representatives under the banner of the Social Democratic Party and represented Ibadan South East Constituency and served as the Chairman House Committee on Nigerian Army.
His royal journey towards becoming the Olubadan of Ibadanland began in 1988 when he emerged the Mogaji of his Compound – Ige Olakulehin family at Ita – Baale Olugbode, Ibadan, till he became the Balogun of Ibadanland ( one of the two senior chiefs in Ibadanland. He was then crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland on the 12th July 2024 and reigned till 7 July, 2025, when he joined his ancestors. He was a Christian, married and blessed with children.
