Following the passing of Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, all attention has shifted to High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, who is next in line to ascend the throne as the 44th Olubadan under Ibadan’s rotational chieftaincy system.
Oba Olakulehin died at the age of 90 on Monday, just two days after celebrating his birthday. His reign, which began in July 2024, lasted less than a year.
High Chief Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan and highest-ranking member of the civil line of succession, is widely regarded as the rightful successor. Traditional rites and succession processes are expected to begin shortly.
Ladoja, a respected statesman and entrepreneur, brings decades of public and private sector experience to the traditional stool. Born on September 25, 1944, he studied chemical engineering at the University of Liège in Belgium and later built a successful business career spanning oil, shipping, banking, and agriculture.
He ventured into politics in the early 1990s, serving briefly in the Senate before becoming Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007. Although controversially impeached in 2006, he was reinstated by the Supreme Court and completed his term.
In August 2024, Ladoja accepted the ceremonial beaded crown following changes to Ibadan’s chieftaincy laws that made it mandatory for future Olubadans to wear one. His acceptance resolved longstanding disagreements within the Olubadan-in-Council and paved the way for his smooth emergence.
With the traditional royal drummers already stationed at his Bodija residence and well-wishers gathering in anticipation, Ladoja’s ascension appears imminent. While he is currently outside the state, sources say he is expected to return to Ibadan soon to begin official rites.
The Olubadan-in-Council is expected to formally endorse him in the coming days, after which Governor Seyi Makinde will give the final approval. A date for his coronation has yet to be announced.
If confirmed, Ladoja will become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland — a significant milestone in a life that has spanned business, politics, and now traditional royalty.
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