Ladoja’s Long-Awaited Dream Nears Fulfillment As Olubadan Throne Beckons

Even during his tenure as Governor of Oyo State, Oba Rashidi Ladoja made no secret of his aspiration to become the Olubadan of Ibadan, a goal he once described as his “ultimate ambition.”

The passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin at age 90 on July 7 appears to have cleared the path for Ladoja to fulfill that lifelong dream.

As the next in line to the throne, he has taken significant steps to ensure his ascension — including setting aside past grievances, withdrawing all legal actions against the state government, and accepting a lesser crown.

This marks a notable shift from his earlier stance, when he strongly opposed the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s controversial amendment to the chieftaincy law that allowed members of the Olubadan-in-Council to be crowned.

Under Ibadan’s unique rotational system of traditional leadership, Ladoja, as Otun Olubadan, the highest-ranking chief in the civil line, holds the top position in the succession line.

The stool of the Olubadan of Ibadanland stands as a remarkable anomaly within Nigeria’s traditional leadership landscape.

Unlike many other kingdoms often plagued by succession disputes, the Olubadan throne boasts a meticulously structured and highly predictable system that virtually guarantees a seamless transfer of power.

This unique succession model operates through two distinct hierarchical lines: the Otun Olubadan (representing the civil chiefs) and the Balogun (representing the military chiefs).

Chiefs progress systematically through a series of ascending ranks within their respective lines. Ultimately, the most senior chief in either the Otun Olubadan or Balogun line becomes the prime candidate for the Olubadan throne.

This deeply ingrained system, a cornerstone of Ibadan’s rich history, is instrumental in minimising conflicts and ensuring that the most experienced and senior chief eventually ascends to the coveted position.

Following the reign of the immediate past Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, attention now turns to the current Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.

As the most senior chief in the civil line, High Chief Ladoja is unequivocally positioned as the next in line to wear the crown.

Who is Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja?

High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja is a prominent and influential figure within Ibadan’s traditional and political spheres. Born on September 25, 1944, Ladoja has carved out a distinguished career as a seasoned politician, successful businessman, and respected traditional leader.

His unique trajectory includes serving as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2006, a remarkable feat that places him among a select few Nigerians to have held both significant political and traditional leadership roles.

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Currently holding the esteemed position of Otun Olubadan, he occupies the highest rank within the civil line of the Olubadan chieftaincy system, making him the direct and highly anticipated successor to the throne following Oba Olakulehin’s reign.

Ladoja’s deep commitment to preserving Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage and actively fostering unity within the community has earned him widespread respect throughout Oyo State and beyond.

His active participation in recent traditional matters, such as his role in May 2025, where he represented Oba Olakulehin during the suspension of two Mogajis (family heads) accused of land grabbing, further highlights his integral and influential position within the Olubadan-in-Council.

As the current Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, stands as the immediate successor from the civil line to the coveted Olubadan stool.

Following his potential ascension, the Balogun line would then produce the next Olubadan, ensuring the continuation of Ibadan’s unique and established alternating succession pattern between these two prominent chieftaincy lines.

The structured process for confirming a new Olubadan involves several key stages:

Confirmation by the Olubadan-in-Council: The first crucial step requires the Olubadan-in-Council, composed of the most senior chiefs, to formally verify the eligibility of the successor.

Approval by the Oyo State Government: Once confirmed by the Council, the new Olubadan’s appointment must receive the official endorsement of the Oyo State Governor, currently Seyi Makinde.

Coronation: The final stage is a formal coronation ceremony, often a grand affair attended by dignitaries, which officially marks the installation of the new monarch.

This deeply rooted and predictable system has been instrumental in maintaining stability within Ibadan’s traditional rulership for centuries, leading to significantly fewer disputes compared to many other Nigerian monarchies.

Ladoja’s past experience as a former Governor of Oyo State could prove to be a unique asset, potentially making him the first Olubadan to have previously held such a high political office in Nigeria.