Former Oyo Governor, Rasheed Ladoja, Poised to Become 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland
A New Chapter for Ibadan’s Royal Institution
Ibadan, the largest city in West Africa, is set for another historic transition as former Oyo State governor, High Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, prepares to ascend the ancient throne of Olubadan. This follows the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, whose reign lasted barely a year.
The late monarch, Oba Olakulehin, was installed on July 12, 2024, in a grand ceremony at the iconic Mapo Hall, Ibadan. The coronation, attended by President Bola Tinubu, top government officials, prominent traditional rulers, industry leaders, and dignitaries from across Nigeria, marked a historic moment as Olakulehin became only the second Olubadan to rule from a befitting palace after Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike.
The newly built ultramodern palace at Oke-Aremo, officially unveiled by Governor Seyi Makinde, is now set to house subsequent Olubadans, breaking away from the long-standing tradition where monarchs ruled from their private residences.
How the Olubadan Throne Works
The Olubadan succession system is unique in Yoruba culture, operating on a rotational structure between two principal chieftaincy lines — the Balogun (military) line and the Otun (civil) line.
The Balogun line, associated with the warrior heritage, consists of hierarchical positions leading up to the Balogun title itself. The civil line, led by the Otun Olubadan, produces candidates for the throne when it’s their turn in the rotation.
The late Oba Olakulehin hailed from the Balogun line, having climbed the chieftaincy ladder over 38 years to ascend the throne. His passing means the next Olubadan will emerge from the civil line, placing High Chief Rasheed Ladoja, the current Otun Olubadan, in line to become the 44th monarch of Ibadanland.
Who is Rasheed Ladoja?
Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, born on September 24, 1944, in the Gambari area of Ibadan, is no stranger to leadership and public service:
* He attended Ibadan Boys High School and Olivet Baptist High School before pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium.
* His professional career began in the oil sector, eventually becoming a director at Standard Trust Bank in 2000.
* Ladoja entered politics in the early 1990s, serving as a senator during the brief Third Republic.
In 2003, he was elected Governor of Oyo State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). His tenure, however, was marked by political turmoil, culminating in his controversial impeachment in 2006 — a decision later overturned by the courts, allowing him to complete his term.
Ladoja made several attempts to return as governor under different political platforms but gradually shifted focus toward his traditional chieftaincy obligations in Ibadan. His long-standing position within the Otun line has now placed him at the doorstep of one of the most prestigious traditional thrones in Yorubaland.
Notably, in August 2024, Ladoja accepted the ceremonial beaded crown from the late Oba Olakulehin — a symbol of his readiness to embrace his role as the next Olubadan. This gesture was significant, especially after his previous rejection of the crown during the tenure of ex-governor Abiola Ajimobi, reflecting his commitment to tradition.
What to Expect
Ladoja’s anticipated ascension comes at a time when Ibadan’s monarchy is experiencing modernization, with the new palace symbolizing a blend of heritage and progress. His background as a seasoned politician and technocrat is expected to shape his approach to kingship, offering continuity, wisdom, and possibly reforms to the revered institution.
As the ancient city concludes mourning rites for the late monarch, preparations will soon begin for Ladoja’s formal coronation — a ceremony expected to draw national attention and reaffirm Ibadan’s proud cultural legacy.