26 September 2025 – Former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja has been officially installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in a grand traditional ceremony that blended centuries-old rites with modern pomp.
The coronation began with the symbolic placement of the Akoko leaf on Ladoja’s head at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, marking his acceptance in the chieftaincy hierarchy.
Following this, he proceeded to the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area, where he was formally crowned.
The final act of the ceremony, presentation of the staff and instrument of office, was done by Governor Seyi Makinde at Mapo Hall, a historic seat in Ibadan.
Governor Makinde reportedly cut short his leave to oversee the coronation, and returned to duty to personally attend the event.
Ladoja succeeds Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on 7 July 2025 after a brief reign.
The Olubadan title in Ibadanland follows a unique rotational and seniority-based succession system, whereby aspirants rise through multiple chieftaincy ranks before qualifying for the throne.
Over more than three decades, Ladoja held chieftaincy titles such as Jagun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and Otun Olubadan, positioning him for the throne.
Born on 25 September 1944 in Gambari, near Ibadan, Ladoja is aged 81 at the time of his coronation. He studied chemical engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium, and before his entrance into public service, he worked in the private sector including roles in the oil & gas and business sectors.
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Ladoja’s political career includes serving as Governor of Oyo (2003–2007), a tenure that was interrupted by impeachment and later reinstatement. He also represented Oyo South as a Senator in the early 1990s.
Throughout his public life, Ladoja was a vocal defender of Ibadan’s traditional institution. He was opposed to a controversial chieftaincy reform in 2017 that sought to elevate multiple chiefs into kings, and successfully challenged those changes in court.
The ascension of Ladoja to the Olubadan stool is seen by many observers as a symbolic reinforcement of Ibadan’s traditional order, especially since he defended that very structure before becoming monarch.
His decades of experience in politics, business, and public service position him to play a stabilising role in Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
As Olubadan, expectations are high that he will champion youth empowerment, education initiatives, and cultural preservation within Ibadanland.
With his coronation complete, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja now assumes the mantle of Ibadan’s traditional authority, tasked with weaving together heritage and modern governance in a city with rich history and evolving aspirations.
