Born on July 5, 1935, in Okugbaja Village (Ona-Ara LGA), Oba Olakulehin hailed from the respected Ige Olakulehin Family of Ita-Baale Olugbode, Ibadan. His maternal lineage is also connected to the recognized Kusidi family, highlighting deep roots in Ibadan's traditional chieftaincy system. He was a devoted family man and a committed Christian.
He began his primary education in his village, later moving to Ibadan, where he attended Islamic School and St. Peter Primary School. He briefly worked as a primary school teacher before attending Yaba Technical Institute for vocational studies in printing and artwork.
Oba Olakulehin's career began in 1959 as a third-class clerk at the Ministry of Works, Western Region Government. He later pursued higher education at Yaba College of Technology, earning his Ordinary National Diploma (OND) and Higher National Diploma (HND) in Building. In 1970, he joined the Nigerian Army Corps of Engineers through a Direct Short Service Commission, rising to the rank of Major before voluntarily retiring in 1979 after a two-decade military career, which included serving under General Olusegun Obasanjo.
After his military service, he transitioned into the business world. He founded and incorporated FAKOL Nigeria Limited, a successful building contracting company that undertook projects for individuals, corporations, and the Nigerian Army. He also owned and operated Olakulehin Press (later Solid Prints) and established FAKOL Bakery, renowned for its "Fakol Loaves."
During Nigeria's Third Republic, Oba Olakulehin was a founding member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Oyo State. He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in 1992, representing Ibadan South East Constituency, where he notably served as the Chairman of the House Committee on the Nigerian Army.
His journey to the Olubadan stool began in 1983 when he became the Mogaji of his family compound. He steadily ascended the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy ladder, which involves 23 hierarchical steps, eventually becoming the Balogun of Ibadanland in 2016 before his final elevation to the Olubadan.
Oba Olakulehin was installed as the 43rd Olubadan on June 14, 2024. His passing on July 7, 2025, just after celebrating his 90th birthday (July 5) and the first anniversary of his reign, marked a poignant end to a life dedicated to service, both public and traditional.
