Ibadanland is poised to welcome its next monarch. Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, is set to ascend the stool following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025.
Nearly a year ago, on July 12, 2024, Oba Olakulehin—then the 43rd Olubadan—received his staff of office at Mapo Hall and moved into the newly inaugurated ultramodern palace at Oke‑Aremo. This state‑of‑the‑art facility, costing millions of naira, marks a milestone. Previously, Olubadans used their personal homes as the palace.
The succession tradition in Ibadan alternates between the Balogun military line and the Otun civilian line.
Now that Oba Olakulehin, from the Balogun line, has passed on, the crown shifts to the Otun line. Currently, Otun Olubadan, Rashidi Ladoja, holds the highest rank in that line and is—by custom—next in line.
Born September 25, 1944, in Gambari, Ibadan, Ladoja rose from Mogaji to Otun Olubadan after a distinguished career. He served as a chemical engineer, businessman, senator in 1993, and governor from 2003–2007.
His acceptance of the ceremonial beaded crown in August 2024 cleared earlier doubts about protocol and paved the way for his eventual ascension.
Royal drummers have already moved to his Bodija residence—a symbolic sign of impending transition.
Now, the Olubadan‑in‑Council will formally nominate Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja, after which Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval and presentation of the staff of office will follow. A coronation ceremony is expected within 40 days.
This historic succession not only honors tradition but also ushers in a new era. As Olubadan Rashidi Ladoja prepares to reign, attention turns to leadership from the grand Oke‑Aremo palace—an icon of modern royalty and Ibadan’s evolving heritage.
