In a historic and culturally rich ceremony, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin was crowned as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday. This grand event, held at the iconic Mapo Hall Grounds in Ibadan, marked a significant milestone in the city’s history, drawing dignitaries from various sectors across Nigeria. The enthronement of Oba Olakulehin, a figure deeply rooted in Ibadan’s traditions, symbolises a continuation of the city’s storied monarchical heritage. This ceremony was not just a local event but a national celebration of cultural continuity and traditional governance.
The Governor’s Address at the Coronation
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, who officiated the ceremony, presented the staff of office to the new Olubadan. In his address, Governor Makinde lauded the resilience and unity of the people of Ibadan, underscoring their role in upholding the city’s traditions. He stated, “Ibadanland and its people have shown remarkable resilience. Those focusing on divisions have been proven wrong.” The governor highlighted the importance of the Olubadan’s role in maintaining harmony and continuity within the community. He expressed his hopes for a long and prosperous reign for Oba Olakulehin, emphasising the monarch’s significant role in Ibadan’s socio-cultural and economic development.
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The President’s Remarks
President Bola Tinubu, represented by the Minister of Power, Bayo Adelabu, delivered a message of congratulations and support. President Tinubu highlighted the importance of the Olubadan institution in maintaining cultural heritage and stability. He commended Governor Makinde for adhering to the traditional protocols when appointing the new monarch. “This coronation is not just about Oba Olakulehin’s ascension but also about celebrating the resilience of the Ibadan monarchy. The nation remains grateful for this stable succession tradition established since 1851,” Tinubu remarked. The President’s address underscored the national significance of the Olubadan’s role and the deep respect held for Ibadan’s traditional leadership across Nigeria.
Other notable attendees included The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Former Military Administrator General Oladayo Popoola (rtd), Former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Governor of Osun State, Ademola Adeleke, and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.
Cultural Significance of the Olubadan Title
The coronation of Oba Olakulehin is steeped in cultural and historical significance. The title of Olubadan is the pinnacle of a unique and intricate traditional chieftaincy system. This system involves a hierarchical progression through 22 steps in the Otun (civil) line and 23 steps in the Balogun (military) line, reflecting the deep-rooted values of leadership and service in Ibadan’s culture. The Secretary to the State Government, Olanike Adeyemo, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Ademola Ojo, both emphasised the ceremony’s importance in preserving Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage. This rotational chieftaincy system, which appoints Olubadans from the Otun and Balogun lines, ensures a balanced representation of civil and military leadership, maintaining the integrity and continuity of Ibadan’s governance.
Early Life of the King and Journey to the Throne
Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin was born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja Village, near Akanran in Oyo State. Celebrated by his parents, Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Ope Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi, he was christened on July 12, 1935. His early life was marked by a dedication to education and service.
He attended St. James Primary School, Oke Akaran, and later St. Peter Primary School, Aremo, where he completed his primary education. After a brief stint as a primary school teacher, Olakulehin pursued vocational studies in printing and artwork at Yaba Technical Institute and later at Yaba College of Technology, where he obtained his Ordinary and Higher National Diplomas in Building.
In 1970, he joined the Nigerian Army through the Direct Short Service Commission, serving with distinction in various capacities. Rising to the rank of Major, he held several significant positions before voluntarily retiring in 1979. Post-military, Olakulehin ventured into business, founding FAKOL Nigeria Ltd, a successful building contracting company, and engaging in various entrepreneurial activities, including owning a printing press and a bakery. His political career saw him serve as a member of the House of Representatives in 1992, representing Ibadan South East Constituency.
Oba Olakulehin’s journey to the throne began in 1983 when he became the Mogaji (family head) of the Ige Olakulehin family. He was installed as Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland in 1986 and rose steadily through the chieftaincy ranks. His dedication and service saw him appointed to the Olubadan-In-Council in 2006 and elevated to Balogun of Ibadanland in 2016, culminating in his coronation as the Olubadan.
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Honouring the New Olubadan
In honour of the new Olubadan, Alhaji Yekeen Abass, Babaloja General of Oyo State, ordered markets in Ibadanland to be closed from 7 am to 2 pm. This gesture allowed the community to honour the new monarch and ensure the free flow of traffic to Mapo Hall, the venue of the coronation ceremony. Oba Olakulehin will be the second Olubadan to rule from a newly inaugurated ultramodern palace, a significant departure from the tradition of ruling from personal residences. This modern palace, inaugurated by Governor Makinde, symbolises a new era in Ibadan’s traditional leadership.
The coronation of Oba Olakulehin revives the historical lineage of Ita-Baale Olugbode, highlighting his deep-rooted connections within Ibadan’s traditional and religious heritage. His ascension is a significant blessing to his ancestral homestead, Ita-Baale Olugbode, which has not produced an Olubadan since the title was officially created in 1930. This event marks a new chapter in Ibadan’s history, celebrating a monarch deeply connected to the city’s past and poised to lead it into the future.
Today, Oba Olakulehin embarks on his reign with a vision to honour his ancestors and uphold the traditions and values of Ibadanland. His coronation, attended by the nation’s elite and marked by cultural splendour, is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Olubadan institution and its vital role in Nigerian society. Long live the King!