The Olubadan-In-Council has unanimously endorsed former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025.
At a meeting held at the new Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, the Council, led by Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, ratified Ladoja’s nomination as the next Olubadan. The nomination was seconded by Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, and supported by other members of the Council. Ladoja, currently Otun Olubadan, is next in line from the civil line, under the city’s time-honoured rotational chieftaincy system.
Speaking to reporters, Oba Ajibola confirmed that Ladoja’s nomination had been signed by the kingmakers and would be forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde for formal ratification. Upon approval, Ladoja will receive the staff and certificate of office, followed by a coronation ceremony.
Ajibola expressed confidence in Ladoja’s leadership, stating, “His track record as a former governor and his connection to the people makes him an ideal candidate to guide Ibadanland into a new era of peace and development.”
Rashidi Ladoja, born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ibadan, studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium. He worked with Total, ventured into business, and later served as Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007, surviving a controversial impeachment that was overturned by the Supreme Court.
In August 2024, Ladoja accepted the beaded crown as Otun Olubadan, fulfilling a requirement introduced under the revised chieftaincy declaration, positioning him for succession.
Though absent during the nomination meeting due to travel outside the state, sources confirmed that Ladoja had expressed interest in ascending the throne. His absence did not hinder proceedings, as clarified by Oba Ajibola, who noted that tradition permits the Council to proceed in such circumstances.
The Olubadan stool operates under a dual chieftaincy structure, alternating between the civil (Otun) and military (Balogun) lines. This system has long ensured orderly succession and continuity of leadership in Ibadan.
Ladoja is expected to return to the state shortly to participate in the final rites for Oba Olakulehin, whose burial began earlier in the week and will conclude with a final ceremony on Friday at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.
This is the first time the kingmakers have held a nomination meeting at the new palace, marking a historic moment in Ibadan’s traditional leadership transition.
