Former Oyo State Governor and prominent Ibadan High Chief, Rashidi Ladoja, is poised to become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland after the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan.
Oba Olakulehin died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, less than a year after his historic installation in July 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde.
He succeeded Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died in March 2024 after a brief illness.
Under Ibadan’s unique traditional system, ascension to the throne of the Olubadan alternates between two ruling lines, Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military).
With Oba Olakulehin hailing from the Balogun line, tradition dictates that his successor will emerge from the Egbe Agba line, where Ladoja currently holds the position of Otun Olubadan, the most senior title in the civil lineage.
Rashidi Ladoja, who governed Oyo State between 2003 and 2007 and previously served as a senator, has been steadily climbing the traditional ranks in Ibadan for decades.
He celebrated his 80th birthday in September 2024, further cementing his stature as one of Ibadan’s most prominent sons.
In August 2024, Ladoja was officially crowned as Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland during a significant ceremony at the Aafin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oke Aremo.
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The event was performed by the late Oba Olakulehin and attended by then-acting Governor Bayo Lawal, who presented Ladoja with the staff and instrument of office.
Ladoja’s elevation to the position of Otun Olubadan ended years of controversy surrounding his initial resistance to accepting a beaded crown under reforms introduced into the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration.
Speaking after receiving his crown, Ladoja addressed concerns that the reforms could spark unrest in the ancient city.
“Those thinking that Ibadan will burn are liars,” he said. “Whenever there is an issue among us, once we enter the room and come out, it’s settled because we know what is right.”
He further clarified that while there had been questions about the domain and authority of high chiefs elevated to become kings, those issues had been resolved, emphasizing that Ibadan recognizes only one paramount ruler, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“Only those that God destined can become the Olubadan,” Ladoja stated, acknowledging that not all high chiefs ascend to the throne despite reaching senior positions in the hierarchy.
With the Olubadan stool now vacant, traditional processes are expected to commence swiftly to formalize Ladoja’s ascension.
Ibadan residents and traditional institutions will be watching closely as the Olubadan-in-Council, the kingmakers of the ancient city, deliberate on confirming Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
If confirmed, Ladoja’s installation will mark another historic chapter in Ibadan’s revered traditional leadership, combining modern political experience with centuries-old cultural heritage.