Ex-Oyo Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, nominated 44th Olubadan
By BASHIR ADEFAKA
Former Governor of Oyo State, South West Nigeria, His Excellency Alhaji Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has been officially nominated as the next Olubadan of Ibadan Land.
The former Governor and Otun Olubadan’s nomination followed the Olubadan-In-Council’s announcement at the Palace of Olubadan, Oke-Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, on Monday August 4, 2025.
The DEFENDER reports that the new Olubadan was not in attendance during the meeting.
Oba Ladoja’s nomination was announced by the Balogun Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, seconded by the new Otun Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oba Eddy Oyewole, at the meeting, which had in attendance all the beaded crown-wearing High Chiefs of the kingdom.
All the council members, in their resolve, unanimously endorsed Ladoja as the new paramount ruler of Ibadan Land.
The Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, who addressed journalists after the meeting, said, “When one king transits, another one is enthroned. It is in line with the tradition of Ibadan Land that we are holding this meeting today (Monday).
“It is on this premise that I, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Balogun of Ibadan Land, nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“His nomination was seconded by the new Otun Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole. The position that was previously held by Oba Ladoja before his nomination as Olubadan designate.
“We (members of the Olubadan-In-Council) have all signed and nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadan Land.
“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 in accordance with the 1957 Chieftancy Declaration as amended.
“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. The Olubadan stool cannot remain vacant for long; that is why we are glad with the decision of the Council members.
“We are hopeful that the governor will not delay in assenting to the decision of the Council.”
Ladoja was born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ibadan.
His educational journey took him through Ibadan Boys High School and Olivet Baptist High School, culminating in a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Liège in Belgium.
Upon returning to Nigeria, he started his career at Total before delving into business and politics.
Ladoja first took office as the state governor in May 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, serving until his controversial impeachment in January 2006.
He was later reinstated by a Supreme Court ruling in December 2006 and completed his term in May 2007.
Since then, he has remained an active political figure, contesting elections with various parties before joining the Zenith Labour Party in 2018.
In August 2024, Ladoja embraced his role as Otun Olubadan by accepting the ceremonial beaded crown, a requirement for ascending to the Olubadan title under the revised chieftaincy declaration.
He stated on a private radio station in Ibadan, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. My blood pressure has been stable; anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan.”
The updated chieftaincy law mandated that only beaded crown Obas are eligible for the throne, a change some perceived as politically motivated by Makinde.
The state government, however, insisted that the amendment aligned with recommendations from the late Oba Balogun’s review committee, framing it as a necessary cultural reform.
Ibadan’s succession has traditionally alternated between civil (Baale/Otun) and military (Balogun) lines for over 170 years.
The late Olubadan, Oba Olakulehin, joined his ancestors on Monday, July 7, 2025.
