Following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin, the former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is poised to ascend to the throne as the next Olubadan of Ibadan.
Oba Olakunlehin, who was born on July 5, 1935, passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. His demise has sent shockwaves throughout the city of Ibadan and the entire Oyo State.
The late monarch received the staff of office from Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on July 12, 2024, as the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. Prior to his ascension, Oba Olakunlehin held the chieftaincy title of Balogun Olubadan.
Oba Olakunlehin’s ascension to the throne was a result of the demise of Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81. During his reign, Oba Olakunlehin worked tirelessly to promote the cultural heritage of Ibadanland and ensure the welfare of his people.
With Oba Olakunlehin’s demise, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a prominent figure in Ibadan’s traditional hierarchy and former Governor of Oyo State, is set to be enthroned as the next Olubadan of Ibadan.
High Chief Ladoja’s ascension to the throne is in line with the traditional hierarchy of Ibadanland, where the Balogun of Ibadanland is next in line to the throne after the Olubadan. As the current Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Ladoja is the most senior chief in the Ibadan traditional hierarchy.
The Process of Selecting a New Olubadan
The selection of a new Olubadan is a complex process that involves the Ibadan traditional hierarchy, the Oyo State Government, and other stakeholders. According to the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957, the Olubadan is to be selected from among the senior chiefs of Ibadanland.
The process begins with the notification of the Ibadan traditional hierarchy and the Oyo State Government about the demise of the Olubadan. The Ibadan traditional hierarchy then convenes a meeting to select a new Olubadan from among the senior chiefs.
The selected candidate is then presented to the Oyo State Governor, who confirms the selection and presents the staff of office to the new Olubadan. The new Olubadan is then enthroned in a traditional ceremony, which involves the Ibadan traditional hierarchy, the Oyo State Government, and other stakeholders.
High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja: A Brief Profile
High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja is a prominent figure in Ibadan’s traditional hierarchy and a former Governor of Oyo State. Born on September 25, 1944, in Ibadan, Oyo State, High Chief Ladoja hails from a prominent Ibadan family.
High Chief Ladoja began his career in politics in the 1970s and rose through the ranks to become the Governor of Oyo State in 2003. During his tenure as Governor, High Chief Ladoja implemented several developmental projects, including the construction of roads, schools, and healthcare facilities.
After leaving office in 2007, High Chief Ladoja returned to his role as a senior chief in the Ibadan traditional hierarchy. In 2016, he was appointed as the Balogun of Ibadanland, a position that made him the most senior chief in the Ibadan traditional hierarchy.
High Chief Ladoja’s ascension to the throne as the next Olubadan of Ibadan is seen as a welcome development by many in Ibadanland. His experience as a former Governor and his knowledge of the Ibadan traditional hierarchy make him an ideal candidate for the position.
Conclusion
The passing of Oba Owolabi Olakunlehin has created a vacuum in the Ibadan traditional hierarchy, but the selection of High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the next Olubadan of Ibadan is a welcome development. With his experience and knowledge of the Ibadan traditional hierarchy, High Chief Ladoja is poised to take Ibadanland to greater heights.
As the people of Ibadanland mourn the passing of Oba Olakunlehin Owolabi
