Rashidi Ladoja Announced as Next Olubadan of Ibadanland
- Oba Rashidi Ladoja has been nominated by the Olubadan-In-Council as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland
- The formal coronation date now rests with Governor Seyi Makinde after the late Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, is laid to rest
- Ladoja, a former Oyo State governor, is set to combine his political legacy with Ibadan’s centuries-old royal tradition
Oba Rashidi Ladoja has been nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Olubadan-In-Council, setting the stage for the former governor to ascend the historic throne.
The decision was reached on Monday at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, the Punch reported.
Source: Facebook
Although Oba Ladoja was absent during the meeting, council members unanimously endorsed his nomination.
Presiding over the gathering, the Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, confirmed the development.
“We (members of the Olubadan-In-Council) have all signed and nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland. We will forward the resolutions of our meeting to our Governor, Seyi Makinde. He will now pick a date to present a staff of Office to the new Olubadan,” he announced.
Oba Ajibola explained that the coronation would not be immediate, as preparations must first be made to lay the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, to rest.
“The late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be buried this week. So, this week is not feasible. He (Makinde) may decide to pick three weeks, two weeks or one week,” he added.
Oba Olakulehin, who joined his ancestors on July 7, 2025, was deeply respected in Ibadan and beyond.
His passing created a significant vacuum, and the nomination of Oba Ladoja is seen as both historic and symbolic, considering Ladoja’s stature as a former governor and influential figure in Oyo State politics.
The nomination will now await formal approval from Governor Makinde, who, according to tradition, will set the coronation date and present the new Olubadan with the staff of office.
With the decision, Ibadanland prepares to welcome a new traditional ruler whose public life has spanned politics and community service, continuing a royal lineage that remains central to the city’s identity.
Source: Legit.ng
