The recent passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, has drawn fresh attention to a unique part of Ibadan’s royal history — monarchs whose time on the revered throne was remarkably brief.

Oba Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, spent just one year as Olubadan. His death came barely two days after marking his 90th birthday, and exactly one year after he was crowned, making him one of the shortest-reigning Olubadans.

Throughout the rich history of Ibadan, about ten Olubadans have ruled for less than five years before answering the final call. Here’s a look at these monarchs and their brief but notable times on the throne:

1️⃣ Olubadan Akere I – Ruled for less than a year in 1946.
2️⃣ Olubadan Oyetunde I – Also reigned for less than a year in 1946.
3️⃣ Olubadan Akintunde Bioku – Sat on the throne for just about a year, from 1947 to 1948.
4️⃣ Olubadan Fijabi II – Held the position for four years between 1948 and 1952.
5️⃣ Olubadan Alli Iwo – Reigned for less than a year in 1952.
6️⃣ Olubadan Apete – Monarch from 1952 to 1955, totaling three years.
7️⃣ Oba Yesufu Kobiowu – His reign lasted just a few months from July to December 1964.
8️⃣ Oba Gbadamosi Akanbi Adebimpe – Was Olubadan for about a year, between 1976 and 1977.
9️⃣ Oba Lekan Balogun – Recently ruled for two years, from 2022 to 2024.
🔟 Oba Owolabi Olakulehin – Ruled for one year, from 2024 until his passing in 2025.

Despite their short time as Olubadan, each of these monarchs contributed to the enduring legacy of the Ibadan traditional institution. Their brief reigns serve as a reminder of the unpredictability of life and leadership, even on one of Yoruba land’s most respected thrones.

As Ibadan mourns Oba Olakulehin, attention will soon turn to traditional succession processes to fill the vacant stool. Until then, the city reflects on the monarch’s lifetime of service and the long line of Olubadans who, regardless of the length of their reigns, left their mark on Ibadan’s storied history.