08/07/2024
43rd Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Olakulehin: A Legacy Rooted in Ancient Ibadan Lineages
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja Village near Akanran, now part of Ona-Ara Local Government Area in Oyo State, is a figure deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Ibadan. His parents, Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Opo Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi, hailed from the historic Ita-Baale Olugbode in Ibadan.
On his maternal side, Oba Olakulehin belongs to the Kusidi family, another notable Ibadan lineage with ancestral farmlands in Kusidi village, Egbeda Local Government. Their family home, Ile Kusidi, is situated in the heart of Ibadan at Elekuro. The Kusidi family holds a recognized chieftaincy title in Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin's early education began at St. James Primary School in Oke Akaran. He then moved to Ibadan, attending Islamic School, Odoiye, and later completing his primary education at St. Peter Primary School, Aremo. He started his career as a primary school teacher in Wakajaiye, Akobo Area of Ibadan, before pursuing further education at Yaba Technical Institute, specializing in printing and artwork.
In 1959, he joined the Ministry of Works, Western Region Government in Ibadan, starting as a third-class clerk. While working, he continued his studies at Yaba College of Technology, earning both his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Building. In 1970, he joined the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers through the Direct Short Service Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant, serving under General Olusegun Obasanjo. Rising through the ranks to Major, he held various commanding positions across Nigeria before retiring voluntarily on October 1, 1979.
After his military career, Oba Olakulehin ventured into business, founding FAKOL Nigeria Limited, a building contracting company. He also established a successful printing press, Olakulehin Press (later renamed Solid Prints), and FAKOL Bakery, known for its delicious Fakol Loaves and pastries in Ibadan.
A passionate politician, he co-founded the Social Democratic Party in Oyo State during the Third Republic and was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in 1992, representing Ibadan South East Constituency. He served as Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.
In 1983, Oba Olakulehin became Mogaji of the Ige Olakulehin Family in Ita-Baale, Ibadan North East Local Government. He was later installed as the Jaagun Balogun of Ibadan Land in 1986 by Oba Oloyede Asanke. In 2006, he joined the Olubadan-In-Council under Oba Yinusa Bankole Ogundipe and served as Head of the Traditional Council in various local governments before becoming the Balogun of Ibadan in 2016.
Following the Olubadan-In-Council's directive, Oba Olakulehin retired from active politics to focus on the welfare of the people of Ibadan and its environs. He is a devoted family man, a committed Christian, and a staunch supporter of Ibadan’s diverse clans, families, communities, and businesses.
Oba Akinloye Olakulehin's life story is a testament to his dedication to his roots and his tireless efforts to uplift Ibadan and its people.