Ex Oyo Governor, Ladoja Poised to Become Next Olubadan Following Oba Olakulehin’s Death

Former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is set to ascend the throne as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

Oba Olakulehin, who was crowned in July 2024, passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, at age 90—just days after his birthday and less than a year into his reign.

In keeping with Ibadan’s traditional succession system, the Olubadan title alternates between two ruling lines: the Balogun (military) and the Egbe Agba (civil) lines. With Oba Olakulehin emerging from the Balogun line, the next monarch is expected to come from the Egbe Agba line—where Ladoja, as Otun Olubadan, is currently the most senior High Chief.

Ladoja, who governed Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 and also served as a senator, has steadily risen through Ibadan’s traditional hierarchy. In August 2024, he was officially crowned Otun Olubadan by the late Oba Olakulehin, in a ceremony attended by top dignitaries, including then-acting Governor Bayo Lawal.

That event marked the end of longstanding disputes over Ladoja’s acceptance of the chieftaincy title and affirmed his path toward the revered Olubadan stool.

Speaking during his installation, Ladoja emphasized Ibadan’s unique traditional system where all other crowned kings serve as advisers to the Olubadan, the city’s only paramount ruler. He also reassured the public that internal disputes within Ibadan’s leadership have been amicably resolved.

“Those expecting chaos in Ibadan are mistaken,” Ladoja said. “We settle our matters behind closed doors because we know what is right.”

He also noted that while reforms to the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration granted senior chiefs like Otun, Osi, and Asipa rights to wear beaded crowns, only one—destined by fate—becomes Olubadan.

Having accepted his crown, Ladoja pledged loyalty to Oba Olakulehin, declaring himself both an adviser and servant to the late monarch.

With Oba Olakulehin’s passing, attention has now shifted to the Egbe Agba line, where Senator Ladoja is widely expected to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.