Following the recent passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, attention has turned to the next in line for the revered throne. All indications point to former Oyo State Governor, High Chief Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, as the next Olubadan.
Oba Olakulehin, who ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, passed away just shy of his first coronation anniversary. His reign marked a new era as he became only the second Olubadan to occupy an official palace, following Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike. The ultramodern palace at Oke-Aremo, inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde, will now serve as the permanent residence for future Olubadans.
Traditionally, the Olubadan throne alternates between two chieftaincy lines: the Balogun (military) and the Otun (civil) lines. Oba Olakulehin hailed from the Balogun line. Now, the throne rotates to the Otun line, where Rasheed Ladoja, the current Otun Olubadan, stands as the highest-ranking chief.
Profile of the Incoming Monarch
Here are key facts about the man likely to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland:
- Early Life and Education
Rasheed Ladoja was born on September 24, 1944, in the Gambari area of Ibadan. He attended Ibadan Boys High School (1958–1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964–1965). He later studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium (1966–1972). - Entry into Politics and Public Service
Elected to the Senate in 1993 during the short-lived Third Republic under the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP).
Appointed Director at Standard Trust Bank in 2000.
Elected Governor of Oyo State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and served from May 29, 2003, to January 2006.
- Political Turbulence
Ladoja’s tenure was marked by a fierce political rift with PDP strongman Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu.
He was impeached in January 2006 but reinstated in December 2006 after the Supreme Court ruled the impeachment unconstitutional.
Failed to secure PDP’s nomination for a second term and later aligned with the Action Congress.
- Legal Battles and EFCC Probe
In 2008, he was arrested by the EFCC over alleged mismanagement of ₦1.9 billion from the sale of state-owned shares.
He was briefly remanded in prison before being granted ₦100 million bail.
- Later Political Career
Contested the governorship under the Accord Party in 2011 and 2015, but lost both times to Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) before retiring from partisan politics to focus on traditional duties.
- Return to Tradition
On August 12, 2024, Ladoja formally accepted the beaded crown from Oba Olakulehin, a symbolic gesture he had previously declined during Governor Ajimobi’s administration.
With an illustrious background in politics, business, and now tradition, High Chief Rasheed Ladoja stands ready to ascend the throne as the 44th
Olubadan of Ibadanland. His rise is a testament to patience, having climbed through the traditional ranks for decades, and he is poised to usher in a new chapter for the ancient city of Ibadan.