Rashidi Ladoja Poised To Succeed Late Oba Olakulehin As Next Olubadan Of Ibadanland
Following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, former Oyo State Governor and high-ranking traditional chief, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is expected to ascend the throne as the next Olubadan.
Oba Olakulehin, who was installed in July 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde, died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025 just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. He had succeeded Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun (Alli Okunmade II), who passed away in March 2024.
According to the long-established rotational system of the Ibadan chieftaincy structure, the Olubadan title alternates between two ruling lines: Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military). With the late Olakulehin emerging from the Balogun line, tradition dictates that the next monarch must come from the Egbe Agba lineage.
Rashidi Ladoja, the most senior High Chief in the Egbe Agba line and the current Otun Olubadan, is now the natural successor.
Ladoja, who governed Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 and also served as a senator, has patiently climbed the traditional ladder. After years of initial resistance, he accepted the chieftaincy title and was officially crowned Otun Olubadan by the late Oba Olakulehin in August 2024.
The event, held at the Aafin Olubadan in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, was witnessed by dignitaries including the acting governor at the time, Bayo Lawal.
In September 2024, Ladoja marked his 80th birthday and reaffirmed his commitment to Ibadan’s customs. During his coronation, he emphasized unity, tradition, and the collective wisdom of the Ibadan leadership structure.
“We can handle our issues internally in Ibadan. People who expect the city to erupt are wrong. When disagreements arise, we simply enter a room, deliberate, and emerge with one voice,” Ladoja remarked.
He explained that the earlier disagreement stemmed from a lack of clarity about the status of high chiefs in the Olubadan line. “Now that we have clarity that Otun, Osi, Asipa, Ekerin and others in the line are kings with defined roles there’s no cause for further conflict.”
He acknowledged that only those destined by divine will eventually become the Olubadan, noting that some high chiefs had advanced through the ranks without reaching the throne.
As the city mourns Oba Olakulehin, preparations are expected to begin soon for Ladoja’s formal installation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ibadan remains one of Nigeria’s most culturally rich and historically significant cities, and the Olubadan stool continues to be a revered institution symbolizing continuity, unity, and traditional governance.
