HIM Oba Owolabi Olakulehin was a founding member of the Social Democratic Party in Oyo State during the third Republic. He was elected as a member of the House of Representatives in 1992 representing Ibadan South East Constituency in the third republic and served as Chairman of the House Committee of the Nigerian Army.

He became Mogaji for the Ige Olakulehin Family of Ita-Baale in Ibadan North East Local Government in 1983 and was installed as the Jaagun Balogun of Ibadan Land by Oba Oloyede Asanke in 1986. Rising through the ladder, he was elevated in 2006 to the Olubadan-In-Council under Oba Yinusa Bankole Ogundipe, the 38th Olubadan of Ibadan and served as the Head of Traditional Council in various Local Governments across Ibadan, representing the Olubadan-In-Council prior to becoming the Balogun of Ibadan in 2016.

Following the directive of the Olubadan-In-Council, he retired from active politics and has devoted his time and resources towards the advancement of the interests of the people of Ibadan, Ibadanland and its metropolitan environs.

As Olubadan, HIM Oba Olakulehin has focused on the development of Ibadan, promoting education, infrastructure, and healthcare. He has been a strong advocate for the preservation of Yoruba culture and has worked tirelessly to maintain peace and unity within the city. His reign is characterised by openness, inclusivity, and a deep commitment to the welfare of his subjects.