Following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is expected to be named the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. His reign began in July 2024, after being installed by Governor Seyi Makinde. He succeeded the late Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died in March 2024 following a brief illness.
According to the traditional system of succession in Ibadan, the Olubadan title rotates between two royal lines: Egbe Agba (civil line) and Balogun (military line). Since Oba Olakulehin came from the Balogun line, his successor is expected to emerge from the Egbe Agba line. Currently, Senator Ladoja is the most senior chief in that line.
Ladoja, who governed Oyo State between 2003 and 2007 and also served as a senator, has gradually progressed through the traditional hierarchy. In August 2024, he was officially installed as the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, putting an end to controversies surrounding his acceptance of the title.
His installation took place at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, Ibadan. It was presided over by Oba Olakulehin and witnessed by then-acting Governor Bayo Lawal and other senior officials. During the ceremony, Ladoja received his beaded crown and was formally recognized as an Oba.
In his address, Ladoja clarified that there was no conflict regarding his acceptance of the title. He stressed that the Olubadan remains the only paramount ruler in Ibadanland, while other crowned chiefs serve as advisers and subordinate kings under the Olubadan structure.
He dismissed fears that the city would face unrest due to changes in the Olubadan succession process. According to him, all misunderstandings had been resolved internally and peacefully.
“People who expect trouble in Ibadan will be disappointed,” Ladoja stated. “We know how to settle our differences. Once we meet and talk, the issue is resolved.”
He further explained that the confusion was primarily due to questions about the domains of the newly crowned chiefs.
“We asked, ‘If we are kings, where is our domain?’ That question has now been answered. The Olubadan line allows those holding titles such as Otun, Osi, Asipa, and Ekerin to ascend the throne. However, not all who reach those positions become Olubadan—it depends on destiny.”
Reflecting on his position, Ladoja concluded, “Now that we wear the crown, we serve as advisers to the Olubadan. There is only one king in Ibadan, and that is the Olubadan.”
