Who is the Next Olubadan? Spotlight on Chief Rashidi Ladoja, Oyo’s Former Governor
The revered Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, passed away on Monday, July 7, at the age of 90. This was just two days after celebrating his birthday and shortly before marking one year on the throne. Once again, this has thrust Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State, once again into a defining moment in its history.
Olubadan’s passing, which, although deeply saddening has His passing, though deeply saddening, has set into motion questions about Ibadan’s usual structured succession, and who is the next to ascend the throne. In the coming weeks, or months, the people of Ibadan, and even Yoruba land as a whole, will witness and celebrate the enthronement of the new monarch. But, who will that be?
Under Ibadan’s kingship system, there is a process of succession that makes the throne alternate between two royal lines. These lines are the civil line which is headed by Otun Olubadan) and the military line, headed by the Balogun. The deceased Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin belonged to the Balogun – military line. Hence, the baton of leadership is expected to return to the civil line – the Itunu Olubadan. Now, all eyes turn to High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan and current most senior chief on the civil line.
Who is High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja?
Ladoja’s name is no stranger to Ibadan indigenes. The 81-year old titled man is a respected figure in both traditional and political spheres. He was Born on September 25, 1944, in the Gambari area of the city. For his education, Ladoja trained as a chemical engineer in Belgium and went on to build a career as an engineer, entrepreneur, and statesman. In 2003, he won the governorship elections in Oyo State, and ruled until 2007. In fact, his tenure as Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 remains one of the most talked about in the state’s political landscape.
Despite his longstanding political history, it is his rise through the traditional hierarchy that now places him in the national spotlight, since Olubadan’s death. On March 4, 2024, he was officially conferred with the title of Otun Olubadan, effectively positioning him as next in line for the Olubadan throne.
Following Olakukehin’s death, the Olubadan-in-Council, which is made up of senior chiefs from both lines of succession, will meet to confirm Ladoja’s ascension. Their decision will then be forwarded to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, whose formal approval and presentation of the staff of office will seal the transition.
Once confirmed, Ladoja is positioned to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, making history as the first individual to serve both as an elected state governor and as the city’s paramount traditional ruler. Already, the movement of the total drummers from Olakukehin’s residence to Ladoja’s is a symbol of his incoming coronation as the new Olubadan.
His expected coronation is another evidence of the seamless transfer of leadership in Ibadan. The city’s succession model has always been predictable, and in turn peaceful. While the city prepares for the coronation of its new king, preparations are also ongoing for the late Olubadan’s burial. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has promised that the late monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin will be given a burial befitting of his status.
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