Almost a year after ascending the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin has passed away, leaving the historic city in mourning. The monarch was officially crowned on July 12, 2024, during a grand ceremony at Mapo Hall, where Governor Seyi Makinde presented him with the staff of office.
The event, attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, governors, traditional rulers, ministers, and industry leaders, marked a momentous chapter in Ibadan’s royal heritage. Oba Olakulehin became only the second Olubadan to reside in a government-built palace, following Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike, who lived in the palace at Oja’ba.
Governor Makinde had inaugurated a modern palace at Oke-Aremo just days before the coronation, setting a new precedent for future Olubadans.
Understanding the Olubadan Succession System
Ibadan’s unique traditional system follows a rotational ascension model between two royal lines — Balogun (military) and Otun (civil).
- The Balogun line includes titles like Ekarun Balogun, Ekerin Balogun, Ashipa Balogun, Osi Balogun, Otun Balogun, and Balogun.
- The Otun line includes Ekarun Olubadan, Ekerin Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and Otun Olubadan.
The late Oba Olakulehin emerged from the Balogun line after a 38-year wait, rising from Jagun Balogun to the throne. Following tradition, succession now shifts to the Otun line, where High Chief Rasheed Ladoja, a respected statesman and former governor, is next in line.
Who is Rasheed Ladoja? 15 Facts About the Next Olubadan
High Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja brings a rich blend of political leadership, education, and cultural depth. Here are key facts about the man poised to become the 44th Olubadan:
- Born September 24, 1944, in Gambari, Ibadan.
- Attended Ibadan Boys High School and Olivet Baptist High School.
- Studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium (1966–1972).
- Elected Senator during the 1993 Third Republic under the United Nigeria Congress Party.
- Became a director at Standard Trust Bank in 2000.
- Elected Governor of Oyo State in 2003 on the PDP platform.
- His tenure saw friction with political godfather Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu.
- Impeached in January 2006, reinstated by the Supreme Court in December 2006.
- Failed to secure PDP ticket for second term; backed Action Congress in local elections.
- Arrested in 2008 by the EFCC over N1.9 billion corruption charges.
- Detained briefly and granted bail worth N100 million.
- Ran for governor in 2011 and 2015 under Accord Party—both unsuccessful.
- Took political breaks, joined ADC and later ZLP by 2018.
- Retreated from active politics to focus on traditional responsibilities.
- On August 12, 2024, received the symbolic beaded crown from Olakulehin, reversing a prior rejection.
A New Era for Ibadan’s Traditional Leadership
Rasheed Ladoja’s impending coronation represents a pivotal moment in Ibadan’s royal history — not just because of his political pedigree, but because of his long-awaited place in the traditional chieftaincy structure. From governance to royalty, Ladoja’s journey embodies the unique intersection of modern public service and ancient Yoruba tradition.
