Former Oyo State governor and respected high chief, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is poised to emerge as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland following the death of the 43rd monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
Oba Olakulehin passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, at the age of 90—just under a year after his coronation in July 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde. He had succeeded Oba Mohood Lekan Balogun, who died in March 2024 after a brief illness.
In keeping with Ibadan’s traditional succession system, which rotates the throne between two chieftaincy lines—Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military)—the next Olubadan is expected to emerge from the Egbe Agba line. With Oba Olakulehin representing the Balogun lineage, the senior-most high chief in the Egbe Agba line, Rashidi Ladoja, is next in line.
Ladoja, who served as governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 and previously held a senatorial seat, has steadily advanced through the traditional hierarchy. In August 2024, he was formally installed as Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, resolving longstanding controversy over his acceptance of the title.
The installation, conducted by the late Oba Olakulehin at the Aafin Olubadan in Oke Aremo, Ibadan, was witnessed by then-acting Governor Bayo Lawal and several top state officials. Ladoja received his staff of office and adopted the title of Oba during the event, which was preceded by a meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council.
In his address following the installation, Ladoja reiterated that Ibadanland recognizes only one paramount monarch, stating that all other crowned chiefs serve as advisers and aides to the reigning Olubadan. He dismissed concerns about conflict stemming from the reform of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, emphasizing that internal dialogue and consensus had resolved previous disagreements.
“Some thought Ibadan would erupt into crisis, but we understand ourselves,” Ladoja said. “When issues arise, we meet, we deliberate, and peace follows.”
He clarified that while all senior chiefs in the Olubadan line—including Otun, Osi, Asipa, and Ekerin—are eligible to ascend the throne, only those destined will become Olubadan.
“Many have reached the rank of Otun or Balogun and still did not become Olubadan,” he noted. “It is a matter of destiny.”
With the royal stool now vacant, formal processes are expected to commence in the coming days to confirm Ladoja’s ascension, marking a new chapter in the leadership of Ibadanland.