Former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has been unanimously selected as the Olubadan-designate by the Olubadan-in-Council, marking a pivotal moment in Ibadan’s traditional leadership succession.
The historic endorsement took place on Monday, August 4, 2025, at the newly built Olubadan Palace located in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area — the first time a nomination of this kind has occurred at the new venue. Previous nominations were held at the old palace in Oja’ba, under Ibadan South East LGA.
Ladoja’s elevation comes shortly after the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025.
Although Ladoja was not physically present at the meeting, his nomination was proposed by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, and seconded by Oba Eddy Oyewole, the newly appointed Otun Olubadan — a title previously held by Ladoja himself.
All members of the Olubadan-in-Council, including the beaded crown-wearing high chiefs, gave their full approval, clearing the path for Ladoja to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Ajibola, while speaking to the press after the council meeting, emphasized the importance of swift succession in Ibadan’s royal tradition:
“As is customary in our culture, once an Olubadan passes, the process to enthrone the next begins immediately. That’s what informed today’s meeting.”
He added that the council’s resolution will be sent to Governor Seyi Makinde, who has the constitutional responsibility to ratify the nomination and set a date for the official presentation of the staff of office.
“The governor may decide whether to hold the ceremony in one, two, or three weeks,” Ajibola said. “We only know that the stool cannot remain vacant for long, and we trust that Governor Makinde will not delay in confirming the council’s decision.”
Ladoja’s Journey to the Throne
Born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ogbomoso, Rashidi Ladoja attended Ibadan Boys High School and Olivet Baptist High School before studying Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium.
He ventured into politics and was elected Governor of Oyo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in May 2003. His tenure was marked by political turbulence, including an impeachment in 2006 that was later overturned by the Supreme Court. He returned to office and completed his term in 2007.
Ladoja’s path to the throne became clearer in August 2024 when he formally accepted the title of Otun Olubadan and the accompanying ceremonial beaded crown — a key condition introduced under the amended 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration for anyone ascending the Olubadan throne.
What’s Next?
As Ibadan mourns the passing of Oba Olakulehin, preparations are also underway for the burial, expected to take place later this week. In line with tradition, the installation of a new Olubadan typically follows shortly after the burial of the predecessor.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s formal approval remains the final step before Ladoja can officially take up the mantle as the new traditional head of Ibadanland. Once ratified, a date will be fixed for the presentation of the staff of office, which will officially signal the beginning of Ladoja’s reign.