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…Real drummers move to Ladoja’s residence while Ibadan is preparing for the transition
The ancient city of Ibadan was thrown into a deep mourning after the death of Ibadanland Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors only two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.
The disappearance of the monarch, who barely arrived a week on the first anniversary of his coronation, aroused an outburst of tributes from all over the country, with the president Bola Tinubu, the governor of the state of Oyo Seyi Makinde, sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, former governor of Ogun Ibikunle and other Paying and other Paying by Gowing Muhamad Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, former governor of Ogun Ibikunle, and Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, former governor of Ogun Ibikunle, and Sokoto Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, former governor of Ogun Ibikunle and others and others and others governed.
Oba Olakulehin, who went to the throne on 12 July 2024, was the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. He died on Monday 7 July 2025, in his residence as Alalubosa, surrounded by family and loyalists. The city immediately slipped into pain, with mourning people for its incredulous residence.
The royal transition begins
In line with the customs of the exclusive IBADAN ascension system, the bacterists of the palace and the real assistants have already moved to the Bodija residence of the Otun Olubadan, a high head Rashidi Adventu Ladoja, who is the next in line to get on the throne.
The traditional protocol reflects what happened after the disappearance of Oba Lekan Balogun in March 2024, when the drummers moved to Olakulehin’s house waiting for formal intronation.
Ladoja, a former governor of the state of Oyo and a prominent figure in Ibadan’s political and cultural life, should be crowned the next Olubadan after the Olubadan in the Council completed the necessary rites.
A life of distinct service
Born on July 5, 1935, in the village of Okugbaja near Akanran, the life of Oba Olakulehin was of service in education, military service, public service and traditional leadership. He began his career as a teacher before joining the Ministry of Works in 1959. He later enrolled in the Nigerian army in 1970 and climbed to the rank of major, serving under the general Ollusgun Obasanjo before voluntarily retiring in 1979.
It was also a politician, who represented Ibadan in the South -est in the room of representatives in 1992.
The intonation of Oba Olakulehin in 2024 followed over four decades of constant increase through the civil line of the Olubadan chief system. His short kingdom has been described by many as peaceful and symbolic of continuity.
Tinubu, Makinde, others react
The president Tinubu, in a declaration of his special councilor for the media and advertising, Bayo Onanuga, described the late monarch as “a symbol of peace, wisdom and national service”.
He said: “Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was not only a custodian of the rich history and culture of Ibadan, but also a man of intellect and principle whose contributions extended beyond the palace in education, governance and national development”.
Tinubu added that Olubadan’s death was a personal shock, observing that he had received an invitation to the birthday of the monarch and to the anniversary of coronation days before death.
The Governor Makinde, while receiving a delegation from the Olakulehin family, including Bayo Oyero, Aosmo Olasumbo Owolabi and Mr. Osuolale Owolabi Olakulehin, promised full support of the state government for a charging burial.
“We do not always want to go. But God has designed our bodies for a certain period,” said Makinde. “We will do our part as a government to ensure that the honor it deserves is given to Kabiyesi.”
Even in mourning for the monarch, the sultan of Sokoto, in a message from the secretary of the sultanate council, Alhaji Sai’idu Maccido, described Olakulehin as a “remarkable and giant leader in good heart in thought and action”.
He observed that although the reign of the monarch lasted only a year, his impact would have been remembered for some time throughout Nigeria.
The governor Dapo inhabita of the state of Ogun also described Olubadan as “urban, cosmopolitan and deeply well informed in the culture and tradition of Yoruba”, adding that his kingdom has favored unity and development.
Amosun: “An intentional kingdom”
The former governor of the state of Ogun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, expressed shock for the disappearance of the monarch, describing him as “a supporter of peace and unity he guided with a purpose”.
He highlighted the past roles of the monarch as a teacher, soldier and legislator, describing his life as a marked by dedication to national progress and cultural conservation.
Emotional farewell
In the Alalubosa house of the late monarch, the emotions went up as the sympathizers cried and offered prayers. Former information commissioner Toye Arulogun said that the death of the monarch was not the time for pain, but a celebration of a well -lived life.
“He rose to the throne after a 43 -year -old journey and died immediately after turning 90. This is not in mourning. It is a double celebration,” said Arulogun.
Next thing for Ibadan?
While the Olubadan-in-Council is preparing to meet, the attention has shifted to the Upper Capo Rashidi Ladoja. Except for any surprises, the next Olubadan will be appointed, continuing the Ibadan’s age leadership system.
For now, the people of Ibadan cries the loss of a monarch that many considered a bridge between tradition and modernity – a leader who wore the crown with honor, dignity and calm purposes.
Burial plans in progress
The government of the state of Oyo should announce formal burial arrangements in the next few days, with dignitaries from all over the country that should participate.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin survived wives, children and grandchildren.
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