Three Key Olubadan of Ibadan Who Died Early During Their Reign

Ibadan was thrown into mourning on July 7, 2025, following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at the age of 90. His death came just five days before the first anniversary of his official coronation on July 12, 2024.

Though his reign was short-lived, Oba Olakulehin left a mark as a respected elder, seasoned traditionalist, and a figure of unity among the Ibadan people. His demise draws attention not only for its timing but for echoing a historical pattern, three Olubadans in recent history have ascended the throne only to pass away within a short time.

How the Olubadan Is Chosen

The process of selecting the Olubadan is one of the most unique and well-structured traditional successions in Nigeria. It is governed not by hereditary primogeniture, but by a clearly defined and rotational system of seniority among two chieftaincy lines:

• Egbe Agba (Civil line)

• Balogun (Military line)

Each line has 23 and 22 chieftaincy ranks, respectively. Ascension to the throne follows a sequential promotion through these ranks. When a reigning Olubadan passes away, the most senior chief from either line becomes the next Olubadan. The two lines alternate based on which one produced the last monarch.

This system is celebrated for reducing conflict over succession, as the next Olubadan is usually already known well in advance. However, it also often results in elderly monarchs ascending the throne, leading to shorter reigns due to age-related health challenges.

Three Olubadans Who Died Early

a) Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun – 42nd Olubadan

Oba Balogun was installed as the 42nd Olubadan on March 11, 2022, following the death of Oba Saliu Adetunji. His reign lasted two years and three days, ending with his death on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81. Before becoming Olubadan, Oba Balogun was a prominent politician, serving as a Senator representing Oyo Central Senatorial District between 1999 and 2003.

Despite the brevity of his reign, he was admired for his scholarly background and firm grasp of Ibadan traditional politics. He was known for promoting unity among the Ibadan Obas-in-Council and for championing infrastructural development in the city.

b) Oba Owolabi Olakulehin – 43rd Olubadan

Born in 1935, Oba Olakulehin had a distinguished career in the Nigerian Army and was a prominent figure in Ibadan chieftaincy affairs for over four decades. He was installed as Olubadan on July 12, 2024, but passed away on July 7, 2025, just shy of one full year on the throne. His reign was notable for preserving the peaceful succession tradition of the city, and he maintained cordial relations with both traditional authorities and the Oyo State Government.

Oba Olakulehin’s brief time as Olubadan reignited public conversation about the age of incoming monarchs and the sustainability of the current succession structure.

c) Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike – 36th Olubadan

Oba Asanike, a well-loved and energetic monarch, was installed as the 36th Olubadan in 1983. His reign was promising but tragically brief, he passed away in 1984, serving for only about one year. He was deeply respected for his charismatic leadership and vision for Ibadan’s cultural revival.

Asanike’s untimely death stunned the city and sparked public calls for possible modifications in the chieftaincy promotion system to allow younger successors who could serve longer terms.

What It Means for Ibadan

The pattern of elderly Olubadans ascending the throne and ruling briefly brings both cultural and structural implications for Ibadan:

Traditional Stability: The strength of the Ibadan succession system lies in its clarity and absence of major succession disputes. However, frequent transitions can interrupt long-term development agendas or ceremonial continuity.

Age Factor: With most Olubadans ascending in their 80s or even 90s, health concerns often limit their reigns. This has prompted discussions on possibly modernizing the succession structure to accommodate more youthful leadership while respecting tradition.

Cultural Continuity vs. Reform: While many cherish the slow, seniority-based ascension for its orderliness, others argue it’s time to revisit the model to ensure younger, more agile leadership emerges without breaking historical precedent.

The Likely House the Stool Is Going To

Given that Oba Owolabi Olakulehin came from the Balogun line, tradition dictates that the next Olubadan will emerge from the Egbe Agba (Civil) line.

As of July 2025, the most senior chief in that line is High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan and former Governor of Oyo State. Ladoja, aged 79, has served in the chieftaincy line for decades and is widely regarded as the next in line. His potential ascension would continue the tradition of peaceful and undisputed successions that Ibadan has maintained for over a century.

However, the final decision rests with the Olubadan-in-Council, which will make an official declaration, after which the Oyo State Government will issue a formal letter of approval and present the staff of office.

Legacy & Reflection

The repeated pattern of early demise among Olubadans presents an opportunity for Ibadan’s cultural stakeholders to reflect on the balance between tradition and modern reality. While the current succession system guarantees order and respect for seniority, it also raises questions about sustainability, longevity, and leadership impact.

As the city prepares for yet another coronation in a short span, voices within and outside the traditional institution may push for inclusive discussions about succession reform, whether by adjusting the age at which promotions occur or creating avenues for earlier leadership opportunities without compromising the dignity of tradition.

For now, Ibadan prepares to bid farewell to another revered monarch and welcome the next, hoping, this time, for a longer and more impactful reign.