Former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, has been officially nominated as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Olubadan-In-Council, marking a significant moment in the traditional leadership of one of Nigeria’s most historic cities.
The nomination took place on Monday during a meeting of the Olubadan-In-Council held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, located within Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State. The session was presided over by the Balogun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola.
Announcing the council’s decision, Oba Ajibola stated: “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 the staff of office to the new Olubadan.”
The confirmation of Ladoja’s ascension is pending the formal approval of Governor Seyi Makinde, who is expected to announce the coronation date following the burial of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, scheduled to take place this week.
Ajibola added that while this week is unsuitable for the installation ceremony due to the burial arrangements, the Governor may decide on a timeframe of one, two, or three weeks for the official presentation of the staff of office.
A Return to Royal Duties
Rashidi Ladoja, who served as Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007, has long been a respected figure in both politics and traditional leadership. As part of the Olubadan chieftaincy line, his ascension follows the city’s unique, structured hierarchy of succession.
His nomination is widely seen as a unifying move in Ibadan’s traditional leadership system, coming at a time of renewed interest in preserving and strengthening Yoruba royal institutions.
Once confirmed, Ladoja will become the 44th Olubadan, joining a historic lineage that spans centuries and serves as a crucial cultural institution in the South-Western region of Nigeria.
