Nigerians React as Olubadan Dies at 90, “Ladoja Is the Incoming Kabiyesi”

• His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland passed away on Monday morning, July 7, 2025, two days after celebrating his 90th birthday
• The revered monarch was crowned on Friday, July 12, 2024, after the death of his predecessor, Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun
• Mixed reactions have emerged from Nigerians, including tributes from former Kaduna senator Shehu Sani, who described the late monarch a "stabilising figure" and a "pillar of peace"

Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has reportedly passed away.

Legit.ng reported that Oba Olakulehin died on Monday morning, July 7, 2025, just two days after marking his 90th birthday on Saturday, July 5.

Oba Olakulehin was officially presented with the staff of office by Oyo state governor, Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, becoming the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.

He ascended the throne following the death of his predecessor, Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81. Prior to his ascension, Oba Olakulehin held the prestigious title of Balogun Olubadan.

His transition marks the end of a brief but impactful reign as the traditional ruler of one of Nigeria’s most prominent and culturally significant cities.

Shehu Sani, Nigerians react to Olubadan's death

Mixed reactions have trailed the death of His Imperial Majesty Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. Legit.ng compiled a few reactions from social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).

Former Kaduna senator, Shehu Sani described the late monarch as a stabilising figure in a post shared on his X page.

He tweeted:

"Olubadan Olakulehin was a stabilising figure in a complex society like ours and one of the nation’s strongest pillar of peace. May his soul rest in peace. Amin."

@OgbeniDipo tweeted:

"May the soul of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, rest in peace. Condolences to all Ibadan sons and daughters worldwide."

@dammiedammie35 tweeted:

"Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Olakulehin reportedly D!es at 90 just two days after celebrating his birthday after spending a year on the throne🕊️ 💐."

@RealJAbdul tweeted:

"May his soul rest in peace."

@Wizlion01 tweeted:

"May his gentle soul rest in peace.

"This ibadan royal style ehn, if only it can be changed."

@Wizlion01 tweeted:

"Ladoja is the incoming, Kábíesi o."

@trigottista tweeted:

"Olu don maintain."

@barafalee_unf tweeted:

"So he became king at 89? He no get male child?"

@igbinhenry tweeted:

"When they keep using great grandpa as a king what do you expect huh?"

@big_orla tweeted:

"Rest in peace, I respect their culture but they should try to change the pattern of using 80 years 80-year-old for king, within 5 years they're about to bury 3 kings, is not even have value again."

Read more about Olubadan here:

• Owolabi Olakulehin: 8 facts about Olubadan of Ibadan who died at 90

Oyo Assembly okays rotational Obas’ council chair

Legit.ng earlier reported that the Oyo State House of Assembly has decided on the permanent chairman of the Council of Obas and Chiefs.

The lawmakers have okayed the rotational Obas’ council chairman among Alaafin of Oyo, Olubadan of Ibadan, and Soun of Ogbomosho.

The House passed the bill for the amendment of the law after a third reading at the plenary on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Proofreading by Funmilayo Aremu, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng