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The Passing of a Monarch at 90: Natural Ageing or Something More?

On Monday, July 7, 2025, in the early hours, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, passed away at age 90—just two days after his birthday and marking a year since his coronation (thebossnewspapers.com). Palace sources have not disclosed the specific cause of death, but given his advanced age, natural age‑related causes are most plausible.




🧬 Likely Physiological Causes

For nonagenarians like Oba Olakulehin, the most common contributors to mortality are:

  • Cardiovascular ailments: age‑related decline in arterial health, hypertension, heart failure—all increase appreciably past 80.

  • Neurodegenerative conditions: such as dementia or Alzheimer’s, potentially complicating general health.

  • Immune vulnerability: frailty or acute infections (like pneumonia or influenza) become far more dangerous.

  • Organ degeneration: progressive liver, kidney, and lung deterioration contributes to terminal events.

Though no reports suggest a sudden accident or illness, it's entirely consistent that his passing was due to the cumulative burdens of ageing at 90.

📊 Nigeria’s Health Landscape & Longevity

  • Nigeria’s average life expectancy hovers around 60–65 years, influenced by infectious diseases, maternal and child health issues, and limited access to specialized care.

  • Reaching 90 in Nigeria is exceptional—practically the upper quartile of survival, requiring:

    • Consistent medical care

    • Stable socioeconomic conditions

    • Healthy lifestyle

    • Robust familial and community support

Oba Olakulehin enjoyed many of these advantages, likely benefiting from privileged access to healthcare throughout his life.

🌿 Lessons on Age‑Friendly Health & Longevity




1. Proactive Management of Chronic Conditions

Hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular issues are generally silent until complications arise. Regular screening and early intervention are vital.

2. Maintaining Immune Resilience

Vaccines (e.g., flu, pneumonia), nutrient-rich diets, and optimal hygiene reduce infection-related mortality in older adults.

3. Active Lifestyle & Balanced Diet

Physical activity, even moderate walking, and diets high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins support muscle mass, bone density, and metabolic health.

4. Mental Engagement & Social Ties

Lifelong learning, socialization, and stress reduction (prayer, community roles, spiritual duties) are correlated with healthier cognitive ageing.

5. Preventive & Accessible Healthcare

Easy access to diagnostics and specialist care—especially in later years—allows early detection of treatable conditions and supports quality of life.

💡 A Legacy of Resilience & Reflection

Oba Olakulehin’s passing prompts us to reflect deeply on ageing in Nigeria:

  • His life exemplifies how extended life—beyond the national average—is possible with access, lifestyle, and community.

  • As his reign coincided with his 90th birthday and first coronation anniversary, his departure also symbolizes both Cicero’s “prime of life” and the natural closure of a life well-lived.

  • His longevity offers hope—but also highlights systemic inequities: most Nigerians lack access to the healthcare, nutrition, and social support that can sustain such a long, dignified lifespan.

📝 Final Thoughts: Honouring a Life Lived, Planning for Aging Nigeria

  • Policy Implications: Nigeria must invest in public health infrastructure, elder care, and chronic disease management to extend healthy lifespans.

  • Personal Habits: Regular check‑ups, vaccinations, a nutritious diet, physical activity, and strong social connections are critical even in modest settings.

  • Cultural Reframing: Ageing should be seen not just as decline, but as a potential for wisdom, community leadership, and sustained productivity—with the right supports.

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s life and passing are more than a traditionalist obituary—they are a case study in how exceptional longevity intersects with culture, health, privilege, and policy. Through it, we see both what is possible and what must become more attainable for every Nigerian.

Celebrating him, we remember not only the man but the promise of healthier, longer lives for all—if we build systems that care for every stage of life.

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