Following the death of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025, attention has swiftly turned to the next in line for the prestigious throne. All indications point to High Chief Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and former Governor of Oyo State, as the Olubadan-designate.

In accordance with Ibadan’s traditional chieftaincy succession system—which alternates between the civil and military lines—Ladoja, who holds the highest title on the civil line, is expected to ascend the throne next.

His position as Otun Olubadan automatically places him next in the traditional hierarchy, making his ascension both customary and undisputed.

Born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ibadan, Ladoja is a well-known figure in Nigerian politics and traditional circles. He had his early education in Ibadan and furthered his studies in Belgium, earning a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Liège.

He began his professional life with Total Nigeria, where he worked for 13 years, before venturing into private business.

His political journey peaked in 2003 when he was elected as Governor of Oyo State under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Although his tenure was marred by impeachment and legal battles, he was eventually reinstated in 2006 and served until the end of his term in 2007.

Ladoja has also previously served as a senator and remains an influential voice in Oyo State politics.

His rise through the Ibadan traditional system has been steady and consistent. He became Mogaji (family head) in 1993 and climbed the civil chieftaincy ladder to become Otun Olubadan in 2022. Initially, Ladoja resisted accepting a beaded crown—a policy introduced by the Oyo State government to modernize the chieftaincy system. However, in August 2024, he reversed course and accepted the crown, thereby fulfilling one of the requirements for becoming Olubadan.

Upon accepting the crown, Ladoja expressed his readiness to serve the people of Ibadan in the highest traditional capacity. “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan,” he said, adding, “Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan.”

There had been tensions in recent years between Ladoja and the state government over the chieftaincy reforms, but these were reportedly resolved through dialogue. Governor Seyi Makinde, who played a key role in brokering peace among Ibadan’s high chiefs, is expected to support the forthcoming transition.

Traditionally, the burial rites for the deceased Olubadan will be conducted first, followed by the completion of mourning rituals. Ladoja’s formal installation as Olubadan will then proceed, after consultations with the Olubadan-in-Council and formal ratification by the Oyo State Government.

If crowned, Rashidi Ladoja will bring a unique blend of modern governance experience, business acumen, and deep cultural understanding to the throne. Many within Ibadan and beyond anticipate that his reign could usher in a period of stability and elevated prestige for the ancient city.

An official announcement regarding his coronation is expected in the coming days.