The Olubadan-In-Council has officially nominated Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The nomination was made during a council meeting held on Monday at the Olubadan Palace located in Oke-Aremo, within the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Although the nominee, Oba Ladoja, was not physically present at the meeting, the proceedings went ahead under the leadership of the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola. Addressing the press, Oba Ajibola confirmed the unanimous decision of the council, stating:
“All members of the Olubadan-In-Council have signed the official document nominating Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.”
He further explained that the council’s resolution will be formally transmitted to the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, who is constitutionally empowered to approve the appointment and schedule the presentation of the staff of office to the new monarch.
However, Oba Ajibola noted that the official coronation will not occur immediately due to the upcoming funeral rites of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7, 2025.
“The burial of the late Olubadan is taking place this week, so the installation of the new monarch cannot happen right away,” he explained.
“The Governor may decide to set the coronation for a week, two weeks, or even three weeks after the burial.”
The nomination of Oba Rashidi Ladoja comes as no surprise, as he is the current Otun Olubadan and thus the most senior chief in the civil line of succession. Ibadan’s traditional kingship succession system is notable for its well-organized and rotational structure, alternating between two prominent lines — the civil (Otun/Agba) and military (Balogun) ranks.
Given his position at the apex of the civil line, Ladoja is the rightful next-in-line in accordance with the age-old rotational system that has guided the enthronement of monarchs in Ibadan for over 170 years. His ascension is viewed as a continuation of the long-standing and orderly tradition that underpins the Ibadan chieftaincy institution.