With the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the anxious people of Ibadan are set to anoint another king, who they all knew to be the oba-in-waiting.
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, is poised to ascend the throne as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025.
As the Otun Olubadan, the most senior chief in the civil line, Ladoja now stands first in the line of succession under the city’s unique rotational traditional system.
Born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ibadan, Ladoja was educated at Ibadan Boys High School, Olivet Baptist High School, and later earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Liège, Belgium.
He returned to Nigeria and worked at Total before transitioning into business and politics.
Ladoja first became governor of Oyo State in May 2003 under the PDP, serving until his illegal impeachment in January 2006.
He was reinstated in December 2006 following a Supreme Court ruling, then completed his term into May 2007.
Afterward, he remained politically active, contesting in elections under various parties, and eventually joined the Zenith Labour Party in 2018.
In August 2024, as Otun Olubadan, Ladoja accepted the ceremonial beaded crown, a requirement for advancing to Olubadan under the revised chieftaincy declaration. He publicly affirmed his resolve, saying on Fresh FM: “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan, my blood pressure has been stable, anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan”.
The updated chieftaincy law now specifies that only Beaded Crown Obas (not just senior chiefs) are eligible for the throne, an amendment that some view as politically motivated by Governor Seyi Makinde, though the state maintains it followed recommendations from the late Oba Balogun’s review committee.
The amendment ignited tension: Ladoja had initially resisted receiving a crown, unlike his peers. Critics argue this clause could disqualify him but Ladoja and his supporters view it as a political move orchestrated by Governor Makinde, retaliating for Ladoja’s opposition to his 2023 re-election.
But, the state government counters the amendment as a cultural reform aimed at formalising titles in line with tradition.
Ibadan’s succession alternates between the civil (Baale/Otun) and military (Balogun) lines—a structure over 170 years old. Ladoja is the top civilian claimant, and with the current Olubadan’s passing, tradition clearly places him next.
With the throne now vacant, members of the Olubadan-in-Council and kingmakers will formally propose the next Olubadan.
As at the time.of this reports however, Oba Ladoja is said to be away, outside the state. He is expected to return any moment.
With the confirmation of the death by the family and subsequent public announcement by the state government, hundreds of supporters have biseged the Bodija, Ibadan residence of the Olubadan-next-in-line.
Culled: Nationonline