Rashidi Ladoja Steps Up as Olubadan of Ibadan Land After Olakulehin

After the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Senator Rashidi Ladoje, a former governor of Oyo State, is anticipated to become the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Just over a year after ascending to the throne, Oba Olakulehin died on Monday, July 7, at the age of 90, as previously reported.

According to the rotating succession system, which switches the Olubadan stool between the two governing lines—Balogun (military) and Egbe Agba (civil)—a new Olubadan is anticipated to take office in the days after his passing.

Read Also: Sad News: Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Olubadan of Ibadan, Is Dead

The next king is anticipated to come from the Egbe Agba line, where Ladoja is currently the most senior High Chief, as the late Olakulehin ascended from the Balogun line.

In August 2024, Ladoja, who is 80 years old, was crowned the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, making him the next in line for the throne.

Ladoja said that there was nothing wrong with taking on the role of king in the Olubadan family once he was given his beaded crown and given the title of Oba. He emphasized that all other Obas were subjects and advisors to the Olubadan of Ibadanland, who was still the only paramount king in the old metropolis.

Additionally, he stated that he would be willing to take the throne if the chance arose.

“What happened previously was due to a misunderstanding because we were inquiring as kings, where is our domain?

Because the declaration stated that Otun, Osi, Asipa, and Ekeerin, as well as all of us in the Olubadan line, could become king, they responded by saying that we were kings in the Olubadan line.

“The location of our domain, which I have been inquiring about, has been addressed. Being an Olubadan is only possible for those who are God’s chosen ones. Some people have risen to the positions of Otun and Balogun but ultimately failed to become Olubadan.

Since Oba Olakulehin can send us anywhere he pleases as our king, we have now assumed the roles of advisor and servant to him. Oba Olakulehin is the only monarch in Ibadanland, according to Ladoja.