The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, passed away on Monday, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale, near Akanran in present-day Ibadan North East LGA, he was the son of Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Owolabi.
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, passed away on Monday, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja village, Ita Baale, near Akanran in present-day Ibadan North East LGA, he was the son of Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Owolabi. Oba Olakulehin attended CAC Modern School, Anlugbua, and earned a master’s degree in administration and economics in 1973. He briefly worked with the Lamberth Local Government Social Services Department before pursuing a PhD. Upon returning to Nigeria, he lectured at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. However, he objected to writing ‘positive’ government reports, stating it contradicted his “progressive ideological principles.” A devout Christian, he was married with children. His reign and intellectual contributions have been widely respected across Ibadanland.