President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has expressed profound sorrow over the passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I), the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90. The monarch’s demise came just two days after he celebrated his 90th birthday, a milestone that prompted a poignant tribute from President Tinubu days earlier.

In a statement issued on Friday, July 4, 2025, through his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu had extended his felicitations to Oba Olakulehin on his nonagenarian birthday and the first anniversary of his coronation. This statement, now serving as a powerful eulogy, lauded the late monarch for embodying “the rare blend of age-old wisdom, service, and enduring leadership through decades of selfless dedication to nation-building and community development.”

President Tinubu’s commendation highlighted Oba Olakulehin as a “foremost traditional ruler, custodian of culture and tradition, and a revered elder statesman.” He was celebrated for his unwavering commitment to serving humanity and meticulously preserving Yoruba tradition, identity, and values, thereby successfully bridging the gap between ancient customs and the demands of modern societal progress. The President had also acknowledged the peace and prosperity that characterized Oba Olakulehin’s brief but impactful reign over Ibadanland.

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin ascended the revered Olubadan throne on July 12, 2024, following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Lekan Balogun. His time on the stool, though spanning less than a year, was marked by the unique and intricate succession system of Ibadan, which sees chiefs rise through a rigorous hierarchical ladder before assuming the paramount traditional leadership.

With Oba Olakulehin’s passing, attention now turns to the succession to the Olubadan stool. By tradition, the next in line is former Oyo State Governor, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who currently holds the prestigious title of Otun Olubadan. He is the most senior chief in the civil line of Ibadan’s distinctive rotational succession system, and his ascension now awaits formal processes by the Olubadan-in-Council and the approval of the Oyo State Government.

The ancient city of Ibadan and the broader Yoruba traditional institution are in mourning, reflecting on the legacy of a monarch who was deeply committed to both his heritage and the forward march of his community.