Following the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, former governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is poised to ascend the throne as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin died in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, just two days after celebrating his 90th birthday. He had been installed as the 43rd Olubadan on July 12, 2024, by Governor Seyi Makinde, succeeding the late Oba (Dr.) Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who passed away on March 14, 2024, at the age of 81.
Why Ladoja Is Next in Line
The Olubadan succession system is widely regarded as one of the most orderly and transparent in Nigeria. It follows a structured hierarchy split between two lines: the Otun Olubadan (civil line) and the Balogun (military line). Chiefs climb steadily through the ranks within their respective lines, ensuring clarity and minimizing succession disputes.
Currently, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja holds the position of Otun Olubadan—the highest rank in the civil line—making him the immediate successor following Oba Olakulehin, who emerged from the military line. This alternating pattern of succession between the two lines is deeply rooted in Ibadan’s traditional history and helps maintain stability in leadership transitions.
Who Is High Chief Rashidi Ladoja?
Born on September 25, 1944, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja is a respected statesman, businessman, and traditional titleholder. He served as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2006 and remains a prominent figure in both political and cultural circles.
As the Otun Olubadan, he is the most senior chief in the civil line and, by tradition, the rightful heir to the throne following the demise of Oba Olakulehin.
When Will Ladoja Be Crowned?
Ladoja’s ascension to the throne will follow a structured process, which includes:
1. Confirmation by the Olubadan-in-Council – This council, made up of senior chiefs, verifies his eligibility and endorses his candidacy.
2. Approval by the Oyo State Government – The final administrative step involves the state governor’s formal approval. Governor Seyi Makinde will be responsible for issuing this endorsement.
3. Coronation Ceremony – A grand traditional ceremony, usually attended by dignitaries and the public, will mark his official installation as Olubadan.
This longstanding succession system has ensured that Ibadan’s monarchy remains one of the most peaceful in Nigeria, largely avoiding the disputes that often plague other traditional thrones.
With High Chief Ladoja’s vast experience in governance and deep roots in Ibadan’s traditional structure, his forthcoming coronation is expected to further solidify the stability and continuity of the Olubadan stool.
FULL LIST OF OLUBADAN OF IBADANLAND
(1820 – 2025)
1. Lagelu – (1 year) – 1820
2. Baale Maye Okunade – (6 years) – 1820–1826
3. Baale Oluyedun Labosinde – (4 years) – 1826–1830
4. Baale Lakanle – (5 years) – 1830–1835
5. Basorun Oluyole Ojaba – (15 years) – 1835–1850
6. Baale Oderinlo Opeagbe (Idiomo/Kure) – (1 year) – 1850–1851
7. Baale Oyesile Olugbode (Ita Baale) – (13 years) – 1851–1864
8. Baale Ibikunle – (1 year) – 1864–1865
9. Basorun Ogumola (Mapo) – (2 years) – 1865–1867
10. Balogun Beyioku Akere (Onitamperin) – (3 years) – 1867–1870
11. Baale Orowusi (Awarun, Kobomoje) – (1 year) – 1870–1871
12. Aare Oadoke Latoosa (Oke-Are) – (14 years) – 1871–1885
13. Balogun Ajayi Osungbekun (Kobomoje) – (8 years) – 1885–1893
14. Baale Fijabi I (Omo Babalola, Oritamerin) – (2 years) – 1893–1895
15. Baale Osuntoki Olusun (Agbeni) – (2 years) – 1895–1897
16. Basorun Fajimi (Yerombi, Oranyan) – (5 years) – 1897–1902
17. Baale Mosaderin Sunlehinmi (Oranyan) – (2 years) – 1902–1904
18. Baale Dada Opadare (Mapo) – (3 years) – 1904–1907
19. Basorun Sumonu Apanpa (Isale-Osi) – (3 years) – 1907–1910
20. Baale Akintayo Awanibaku (Elenpe Bere, Aboke) – (2 years) – 1910–1912
21. Baale Irefin (Omo Ogundeyi, Oke Ofa Babasale) – (2 years) – 1912–1914
22. Baale Shittu (Omo Are Latosa, Oke Are) – (11 years) – 1914–1925
23. Baale Oyewole Aiyejenku (Omo Foko, Oke Foko) – (5 years) – 1925–1930
24. Olubadan Okunola Abaasi Alesinloye (Isale Ijebu) – (16 years) – 1930–1946
25. Olubadan Fagbinrin Akere II (Oritamerin) – (3 months) – 1946
26. Olubadan Oyetunde I (Eleta) – (8 months) – 1946
27. Olubadan Akintunde Bioku (Oleyo, Oranyan) – (1 year) – 1947–1948
28. Olubadan Fijabi II (Oritamerin) – (4 years) – 1948–1952
29. Olubadan Memudu Alli (Iwo Gbenla) – (3 months) – 1952
30. Olubadan Igbintade (Apete, Oke Ofa) – (3 years) – 1952–1955
31. Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele (Alafara) – (9 years) – 1955–1964
32. Oba Yesufu Kobiowu (Oranyan) – (2 months) – 1964
33. Oba Salawu Akanbi Aminu (Adeoyo) – (6 years) – 1965–1971
34. Oba Shittu Akintola Oyetunde II (Eleta) – (5 years) – 1971–1976
35. Oba Gbadamosi Akanbi Adebimpe (Odinjo) – (1 year) – 1976–1977
36. Oba Daniel Tayo Akinbiyi (Elekuro) – (5 years) – 1977–1982
37. Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike (Idi-Aro) – (10 years) – 1983–1993
38. Oba Emmanuel Adegboyega Operinde (Isale Ijebu) – (6 years) – 1993–1999
39. Oba Yinusa B. Ogundipe (Arapasowu I, Oranyan) – (8 years) – 1999–2007
40. Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I – (9 years) – 2007–2016
41. Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji – (6 years) – 2016–2022
42. Oba Lekan Balogun – (2 years) – 2022–2024
43. Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin (Ige Olakulehin I) – (1 year) – 2024–2025)
This is compiled and subject to review.
