HRM Oba Yinusa Bankole Ogundipe Arapasowu I was the 39th Olubadan of Ibadanland, one of the most prestigious traditional thrones in southwestern Nigeria. He was born on November 28, 1920, in Ibadan and became Olubadan on May 7, 1999, after the death of his predecessor, Oba Emmanuel Adegboyega Operinde.
Oba Ogundipe rose to the throne at the age of 78 and ruled until his death on July 6, 2007, at the age of 86. His reign lasted eight years, and he was deeply respected for his wisdom, calm leadership, and dedication to preserving the culture, customs, and traditional institutions of Ibadanland.
A committed custodian of Yoruba heritage, Oba Ogundipe Arapasowu I was known for promoting peace, stability, and unity within Ibadan and beyond. His name, “Arapasowu,” is associated with strength, courage, and resolve, qualities he was believed to embody throughout his reign.