Breaking: Rashidi Ladoja Poised to Become 44th Olubadan After Oba Olakulehin’s Passing
With the passing of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin at age 90, Ibadan’s centuries-old succession tradition is once again in motion—this time pointing to a familiar and influential figure: High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State and current Otun Olubadan.
Oba Olakulehin’s death in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, just two days after his 90th birthday and one year on the throne, has left the Olubadan stool vacant. As tradition dictates, the next king will emerge based on Ibadan’s orderly and hierarchical chieftaincy system, widely seen as one of Nigeria’s most structured and dispute-free royal successions.
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Ladoja, currently the most senior chief in the civil line of the Olubadan succession ladder, is next in line for the throne. Unlike monarchies where kingship is hereditary, Ibadan’s model rotates between the civil and military lines, with seniority determined by years of steady progression through designated chieftaincy titles.
A respected statesman and traditionalist, Ladoja has patiently climbed the ranks over several decades, balancing political life with his cultural duties. He served as Oyo State governor from 2003 to 2007 and has remained active in Ibadan’s traditional affairs ever since.
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In a 2024 radio interview, Ladoja spoke of his journey to the throne, attributing it to divine grace rather than political manoeuvring. “By God’s grace, I will become Olubadan,” he said. “If God ordains it, no obstacle can stop it.”
The next step in his ascension lies with the Olubadan-in-Council, a group of senior Ibadan chiefs responsible for vetting and confirming the next king. Once they reach consensus, Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to endorse the nomination and present Ladoja with the official staff of office, formally crowning him as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
If confirmed, Ladoja will make history as the first former governor to ascend the Olubadan throne, marking a symbolic union of political leadership and traditional authority in Ibadan’s rich cultural legacy.
Meanwhile, the Olubadan-in-Council is expected to announce burial plans for the late Oba Olakulehin in the coming days. As the city mourns, it also looks ahead, preparing to witness yet another chapter in its storied royal history.