7 Olubadan who ruled for the shortest period of time
But for his passage on Monday, July 7, 2025, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, would have been one year on the throne, come July 12.
By his short stay on the throne, Olakulehin joins the list of six other Ibadan monarchs whose reign lasted for relatively short periods.
- Olubadan Akere I (1946)
- Olubadan Oyetunde I (1946)
- Olubadan Akintunde Bioku (1947–1948)
- Olubadan Alli Iwo (1952)
- Oba Yesufu Kobiowu (July 1964 – December 1964)
- Oba Gbadamosi Akanbi Adebimpe (1976–1977)
- Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (2024 – 2025)
Interestingly, Oba Olakulehin’s coronation on July 12, coincided with his birthday on July 5.
Also, his transition again coincided with his birthday. In fact, he passed away two days after his 90th birthday.
From 1930 to date, the average reign of all the Olubadan ranges between four and six years on the throne.
Of the 20 Olubadan who ruled from 1930 to 2025, only two spent up to and beyond a decade on the throne, with two lasting seven and nine years.
However, the longest reigning king in Ibadanland’s recorded history remains Olubadan Okunola Abass, who ruled for 16 years from 1930 to 1946.
According to some observers, the Olubadan chieftaincy needs a review so that the system can, in very quick succession, throw up younger candidates as Olubadan.
As it is for now, most of the candidates ascend the throne in their late 70s or early or late 80s, which may be responsible for the average short span spent on the throne.
However, proponents argue that a system that works requires no change and that the beauty of the Ibadan Chieftaincy rests on its time-tested peaceful and orderly transmission of power via succession devoid of rancour and royal rumble.
