The ancient city of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State and the political headquarters of the South-West, has been thrown into mourning following the death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed on just days short of marking one year on the revered throne.

Oba Olakulehin ascended to one of the most prestigious traditional stools in Yorubaland on July 12, 2024, in a historic coronation ceremony held at the iconic Mapo Hall in the heart of Ibadan. His installation marked a new era, symbolizing both continuity and modernity in the city’s rich traditional institution.

The crowning ceremony was attended by an illustrious gathering of Nigeria’s top dignitaries and eminent personalities from across the globe. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led the federal delegation that included ministers, state governors, senators, and other political office holders. Also in attendance were notable traditional rulers from various parts of the country, captains of industry, cultural custodians, and members of the academia.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State officially presented Oba Olakulehin with the staff of office, bestowing on him the title of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. It was a day of pomp and pageantry, reflecting the immense cultural pride and political relevance of Ibadan within the Yoruba nation and Nigeria at large.

Oba Olakulehin’s ascension to the throne followed a long journey of over 38 years through the Balogun chieftaincy line, having started his climb from the position of Jagun Balogun. His emergence was seen as a fulfillment of the unique and highly structured traditional succession system of the Olubadan institution, which is one of the most orderly in the country.

From Mapo Hall to Oke-Aremo: A New Era of Royalty

The late Olubadan was the second in history to reign from an official palace, breaking away from the long-standing tradition where each Olubadan ruled from his personal residence. His reign coincided with a landmark development in Ibadan’s royal heritage—the commissioning of the new ultramodern Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo.

The palace, which was inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde in 2024, was envisioned as the permanent and befitting residence for future Olubadans. Prior to this, the only monarch to have ruled from a designated palace was the late Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike, who lived in the old palace at Oja’ba.

Oba Olakulehin’s short reign, therefore, represented a bridge between tradition and transformation. Though brief, his time on the throne witnessed a renewed focus on institutionalizing the Ibadan royal structure, preserving its heritage while modernizing its symbols of authority.

A Succession Built on Tradition

Unlike most traditional stools in Nigeria, succession to the Olubadan throne is guided by a well-established rotational chieftaincy system, which has earned the admiration of historians and legal scholars alike.

The system operates through two primary lines; the Otun (civil) line and the Balogun (military) line. Each line consists of several hierarchical titles through which aspirants must rise over time, based on seniority and vacancies.

The Balogun line includes the titles: Ekarun Balogun (sixth), Ekerin Balogun (fifth), Ashipa Balogun (fourth), Osi Balogun (third), Otun Balogun (second), and the Balogun (first).

On the Otun line, the titles are Ekarun Olubadan, Ekerin Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and Otun Olubadan as the most senior.

The throne alternates between these two lines with each succession, and with the demise of Oba Olakulehin, who was from the Balogun line, the next Olubadan is expected to emerge from the Otun line.

Currently, former Oyo State governor and a prominent Ibadan high chief, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is the highest-ranking chief on the Otun line. Barring any last-minute changes or traditional objections, he is expected to ascend the throne as the next Olubadan.

A Legacy of Patience and Dignity

Born into the Balogun lineage of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s journey to the throne spanned nearly four decades of dedicated service to tradition. His rise through the ranks was steady and consistent, marked by humility, patience, and a deep sense of duty to his people.

His passing has left a deep void in the hearts of many Ibadan indigenes, who had only just begun to enjoy his leadership. The monarch was known for his soft-spoken nature, firm grasp of Yoruba customs, and willingness to adapt to changing times.

Tributes have continued to pour in from across the country, with many describing his death as a painful loss not just to Ibadan, but to the entire Yoruba nation.

As Ibadan awaits the official funeral arrangements to be announced by the Olubadan-in-Council, the people continue to reflect on a king whose reign, though brief, was filled with promise, pride, and progress.