Meet Rashidi Ladoja, former governor set to be crowned next Olubadan

Following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025, the traditional succession process of Ibadanland points to High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former Governor of Oyo State as the next Olubadan.

As Otun Olubadan, the most senior figure in the civil line of the Ibadan chieftaincy hierarchy, Ladoja stands next in line for the throne, according to the ancient and rotational system that alternates between civil and military lines a structure that has governed Ibadan’s royal succession for over 170 years.

Ibadan’s royal system is uniquely structured, requiring ascension through two parallel lines: the military (Balogun) and the civil (Otun).

Each line has six graded positions, and ascension occurs based on seniority.

The late Olakulehin ascended from the Balogun line after 38 years, having started as Jagun Balogun.

With his demise, the succession now rotates to the Otun line, where Rashidi Ladoja is currently the most senior—positioned as Otun Olubadan.

Here’s what to know about him;

Birth

Rashidi Ladoja was born on September 25, 1944, in the Gambari area of Ibadan.

Academic journey

He attended Ibadan Boys’ High School (1958–1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964–1965) before traveling to Belgium, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Liège between 1966 and 1972.

He returned to Nigeria and worked with Total Nigeria for over a decade, rising through the ranks before venturing into banking and politics.

By 2000, he became a director at Standard Trust Bank Limited.

Politics

Ladoja’s political career began in the early 1990s when he was elected to the Senate in 1993 under the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), during Nigeria’s brief Third Republic.

In 2003, he was elected Governor of Oyo State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

However, his tenure was marked by conflicts with PDP strongman Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, which led to his impeachment in January 2006.

His deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala, briefly took over, but a Supreme Court ruling later reinstated Ladoja in December 2006.

He completed his term in 2007 but was unable to secure a second term nomination from the PDP.

Undeterred, Ladoja continued to play a major role in Oyo State politics, contesting the governorship in 2011 and 2015 under the Accord Party.

Though unsuccessful, he remained a respected elder statesman. He later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and then the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in 2018 before retreating from active politics to focus on traditional responsibilities.

Controversies

In 2008, Ladoja faced legal troubles when the EFCC arrested him for alleged misappropriation of N1.9 billion from government share sales during his tenure.

He was briefly remanded by a Federal High Court in Lagos and later released on bail. The high-profile case attracted widespread media attention but did not stop his influence in public affairs.

Transition to royalty

In August 2024, Ladoja finally accepted the ceremonial beaded crown as Otun Olubadan after years of resistance.

His decision followed a controversial amendment to the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration by the Oyo State Government, which mandated that only beaded-crown holders could become Olubadan.

Initially perceived as a political maneuver to block Ladoja, he ultimately accepted the crown during a formal presentation by the late Oba Olakulehin on August 12, 2024.

In a subsequent radio interview, Ladoja stated: “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. My blood pressure has been stable; anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan.”

Awaiting confirmation

With the throne now vacant, attention turns to the Olubadan-in-Council and the kingmakers, who are expected to confirm Ladoja’s ascension in line with custom and tradition.

If crowned, he will not only make history as a former governor-turned-monarch but also as a symbol of endurance and cultural preservation.