10 Olubadans who ruled for less than five years

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, has passed on at the age of 90. He joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.

His death was confirmed by Toye Arulogun, a former Oyo State Commissioner for Information, who stated that an official announcement would be made soon. In a brief message, Arulogun said: “Confirmed. Official statement on the way.”

Oba Olakulehin’s passing comes exactly one year after he was installed as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, marking a short but notable reign. His life was one of remarkable service — from civil service to military duty, entrepreneurship, politics, and eventually traditional leadership.

Notably Short Reigns in Olubadan History

Oba Olakulehin is among the monarchs who ruled Ibadan for less than five years. Here is a list of ten Olubadans whose time on the throne was similarly brief:

1. Olubadan Akere I – Less than 1 year (1946)
2. Olubadan Oyetunde I – Less than 1 year (1946)
3. Olubadan Akintunde Bioku – 1 year (1947–1948)
4. Olubadan Fijabi II – 4 years (1948–1952)
5. Olubadan Alli Iwo – Less than 1 year (1952)
6. Olubadan Apete – 3 years (1952–1955)
7. Oba Yesufu Kobiowu – Less than 1 year (July–Dec 1964)
8. Oba Gbadamosi Akanbi Adebimpe – 1 year (1976–1977)
9. Oba Lekan Balogun – 2 years (2022–2024)
10. Oba Owolabi Olakulehin – 1 year (2024–2025)