Former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is set to become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, His Royal Majesty Owolabi Olakulehin.
Oba Olakulehin passed away in the early hours of Monday, 7 July, 2025, at the age of 90, less than 12 months after his installation as monarch.
The late monarch, who was installed in July 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde, succeeded Oba Dr. Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died in March 2024 after a brief illness.
According to tradition, the Olubadan throne alternates between two ruling lines: Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military).
With the late Olakulehin ascending from the Balogun line, the next monarch is expected from the Egbe Agba line, where Ladoja is currently the most senior High Chief.
Ladoja, a former Senator and Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, has steadily climbed the traditional ladder over the years.
In September 2024, Rasheed Ladoja celebrated his 80th birthday.
In August 2024, Rasheed Ladoja was crowned as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
This put an end to the controversy over his acceptance of the chieftaincy title.
Ladoja was crowned by the immediate past Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, at a ceremony attended by the then-acting Governor of the state, Bayo Lawal, who presented him with the staff and instrument of office, in the company of other top government officials.
The event, held at the Aafin Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oke Aremo, Ibadan, was the first ceremony of the Olubadan, preceded by a meeting of the members of the Olubadan-in-Council.
Speaking after receiving his beaded crown and adopting the title of Oba, Ladoja stated that there was no issue with assuming the position of king in the Olubadan lineage. He emphasised that the Olubadan of Ibadanland remained the only paramount king in the ancient city, while all other Obas were subjects and advisers.
Addressing other concerns, Ladoja said those who anticipated a crisis in the ancient city due to the reform of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration were mistaken.
He explained that all parties involved were able to resolve their differences amicably and said he agreed to take the crown after all his reservations and uncertainties were addressed.
Ladoja stated, “We can do our things on our own in Ibadanland. Those thinking that Ibadan will burn are liars. Whenever there is an issue among us, you will see that things will change once we enter the room and come out, that’s all because we know what is right.
“Misunderstanding was the cause of what happened before because what we were asking before was that as a king, where is our domain?
“They have answered us that we were king in the Olubadan line because what the declaration tells us was that Otun can become king, Osi, Asipa, and Ekeerin, including all of us in the Olubadan line, can become king.
“The question I have been asking, where is our domain, has been answered. Only those that God destined can become the Olubadan. We have seen some who rose to the post of the Otun and Balogun but eventually didn’t become the Olubadan.
“Now that we have become the king, we have become the adviser and servant to Oba Olakulehin because he can send us to wherever he wants as our king. We only have one king in Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin is our king.”
