Former Oyo State governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, on Monday, emerged as the Olubadan-designate, following a unanimous nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council.
The endorsement, which was held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, marked a significant step in the traditional succession process.
The formal confirmation of his ascension now rests with Governor Seyi Makinde, who is expected to ratify the council’s decision and set a date for the presentation of the staff of office.
If assented, Ladoja will become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The Olubadan-designate was, however, not present at the meeting.
His nomination followed the passage of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on Monday, July 7, 2025.
We gathered that this would be the first time a nomination meeting was held at the new Olubadan palace, as previous Olubadan of Ibadanland were nominated at the old palace in Oja’ba, in the Ibadan South East Local Government Area of the state.
The meeting had in attendance all the beaded crown-wearing high chiefs.
The Balogun of Ibadan land, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, nominated Oba Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland, which was seconded by the new Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Eddy Oyewole.
The council members unanimously endorsed Ladoja as the new paramount ruler of Ibadanland.
Oba Ajibola, who addressed journalists after the meeting, said, “When one king transits, another one is enthroned. It is in line with the tradition of Ibadanland that we are holding this meeting today (Monday).
“It is on this premise that I, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, the Balogun of Ibadanland, nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“His nomination was seconded by the new Otun Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole, the position that was previously held by Oba Ladoja before he was nominated Olubadan-designate.
“We (members of the Olubadan-in-Council) have all signed and nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.
“We will forward the resolutions of our meeting to Governor Seyi Makinde, who will pick a date to present a staff of office to the new Olubadan, in accordance with the 1957 Chieftaincy Declaration, as amended.”
Speaking on the date for the presentation of staff of office, Oba Ajibola said, “The late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be buried this week. So, this week is not feasible.
“He (Makinde) may decide to pick three weeks, two weeks or one week. The Olubadan stool cannot remain vacant for long; that is why we are glad with the decision of the council members.
“We are hopeful that the governor will not delay in asserting to the decision of the council.”
Ladoja, born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village, near Ogbomoso, had his secondary school education at Ibadan Boys High School and Olivet Baptist High School, before proceeding to the University of Liège in Belgium for a degree in Chemical Engineering.
Ladoja became Oyo State Governor in May 2003 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, serving until his controversial impeachment in January 2006.
He was later reinstated by a Supreme Court ruling in December 2006 and completed his term in May 2007.
In August 2024, Ladoja embraced his role as Otun Olubadan by accepting the ceremonial beaded crown, a requirement for ascending to the Olubadan title under the revised chieftaincy declaration.
