Ibadan Kingmakers Unanimously Endorse Ladija as Olubadan-Designate

Former Oyo State Governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has been officially nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland following a unanimous decision by the Olubadan-in-Council on Monday.

The meeting, which took place at the new Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area, marked a historic moment in the city’s traditional succession process.

This is the first time such a nomination would be held at the new palace, departing from the traditional venue at Oja’ba in Ibadan South East.

Ladoja’s nomination follows the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025.

Although the Olubadan-designate was not present at the council session, all beaded crown-wearing high chiefs were in attendance.

The Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, moved the nomination, which was seconded by Oba Eddy Oyewole, the new Otun Olubadan and successor to the position previously held by Ladoja.

Addressing journalists after the session, Oba Ajibola said the council had followed tradition to the letter.

“When one king transits, another is enthroned. That is our custom,” he said.
“We, the members of the Olubadan-in-Council, have all signed and nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

The council’s resolutions are to be forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde, who is expected to ratify the decision and announce the official date for the presentation of the staff of office in line with the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration, as amended.

While a date has not been confirmed, Oba Ajibola clarified that the burial of the late Olubadan would occur this week, ruling out any immediate coronation.

“We trust that the governor will not delay in confirming the council’s decision. The Olubadan stool must not remain vacant for long,” he said.

Oba Rashidi Ladoja, born September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ogbomoso, is a well-known figure in both political and traditional circles. He attended Ibadan Boys High School and Olivet Baptist High School, and later earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Liège in Belgium.

Ladoja served as Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He was controversially impeached in 2006 but later reinstated by a Supreme Court verdict.

In 2024, he was conferred with a beaded crown after accepting the ceremonial title of Otun Olubadan, a requirement under the amended chieftaincy law for ascending to the Olubadan throne.

The nomination marks the beginning of a new chapter in Ibadan’s monarchy, pending official ratification and installation by the state governor.