Former Governor of Oyo State and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is set to ascend the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the death of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin on Sunday, July 7, 2025.
In line with the traditional Ibadan succession system, which rotates between the civil (Otun/Agbaakin) and military (Balogun) lines, Ladoja, being the most senior chief on the civil line, is next in line for the revered stool.
Born on 25th September 1944 in Gambari village near Ibadan, Ladoja attended Ibadan Boys’ High School and Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, before proceeding to the University of Liège, Belgium, where he studied Chemical Engineering.
He began his professional career with Total Nigeria and later ventured into private business and politics. In 2003, he was elected Governor of Oyo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Though he was controversially impeached in January 2006, the Supreme Court reinstated him in December 2006, and he completed his term in May 2007.
Ladoja has remained a major political force in Oyo State, contesting several elections and switching parties before finally joining the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in 2018.
In 2017, he initially rejected the beaded crown during a chieftaincy reform initiated by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi. However, he accepted the crown in August 2024 following amendments to the chieftaincy law, which now stipulates that only beaded crown Obas can become Olubadan.
Although some observers believe the amendment was politically motivated to stop Ladoja due to his disagreement with Governor Seyi Makinde, the state government maintains that the reform was purely traditional, as recommended by a panel led by the late Oba Lekan Balogun.
Speaking in an interview on Fresh FM after accepting the crown, Ladoja said, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. My blood pressure has been stable. Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan.”
Following the official announcement of Oba Olakulehin’s passing, sympathisers and supporters trooped to Ladoja’s Bodija residence, even though he was reportedly out of town. He is expected back in Ibadan soon to begin formal transition processes.
Traditionally, the Olubadan-in-Council, made up of senior chiefs from both ruling lines, will meet to confirm Ladoja’s nomination and forward it to the State Governor for approval and coronation.
Once ratified, Oba Rashidi Ladoja will become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the ancient city.
