How Ex-Governor Ladoja Nominated As 44th Olubadan, Awaits Governor Makinde’s Approval

BY ABU-SATAR HAMED

Former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, has been nominated by the Olubadan-in-Council as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on July 7, 2025.

The council has formally submitted Ladoja’s name to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for approval – the final step in the traditional succession process before his official coronation.

In accordance with Ibadan’s rotational chieftaincy system, the throne alternates between the Balogun (military) line and the Egbe Agba (civil) line.

With the previous monarch coming from the Balogun line, succession now falls to the Egbe Agba line, where Ladoja currently holds the highest rank as Otun Olubadan.

The nomination was ratified during a meeting of the Olubadan-in-Council held at Ladoja’s Bodija residence in Ibadan.

Once Governor Makinde grants approval, Ladoja will ascend the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland – making history as the first former civilian governor to occupy the revered stool.

Ladoja’s journey to the throne has attracted significant public interest due to his distinguished political background and prior resistance to reforms within the traditional system.

Notably, he opposed the 2017 initiative introducing beaded crowns for high chiefs, but eventually accepted the title in 2023, aligning with the amended succession structure.

Born on September 25, 1944, Ladoja served as Oyo State Governor from 2003 to 2007 and has remained a key figure in the state’s political landscape.

His anticipated ascension is widely viewed as a symbolic union of modern governance and age-old royal heritage in Ibadanland.

All eyes now turn to Governor Makinde, whose endorsement will formally pave the way for Ladoja’s coronation.