Former Governor Rashidi Ladoja Set to Become Next Olubadan of Ibadanland

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* Ladoja Next in Line Following the Passing of Oba Olakulehin

Former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is poised to ascend the throne as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland after the demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd monarch, who passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.

Oba Olakulehin, who was installed in July 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde, reigned for less than a year before joining his ancestors. He had succeeded Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who died in March 2024 after a brief illness.

The Olubadan succession follows a rotational system between two ruling lines: the Egbe Agba (civil) and Balogun (military). With the late Olakulehin coming from the Balogun line, the throne now shifts to the Egbe Agba line, where Ladoja holds the highest rank as the most senior High Chief.

A former senator and governor of Oyo State (2003–2007), Ladoja has steadily climbed the traditional ranks. In August 2024, he was crowned as the Otun Olubadan by the late Oba Olakulehin, ending earlier controversies over his acceptance of the title.

At the coronation ceremony, attended by then-acting Governor Bayo Lawal, Ladoja received his beaded crown and staff of office, affirming his commitment to the Olubadan lineage. He dismissed fears of unrest in Ibadan, stating that disputes within the chieftaincy system had been resolved amicably.

“We can do our things on our own in Ibadanland. Those thinking that Ibadan will burn are liars,” Ladoja declared. “Only those destined by God become Olubadan. We are advisers and servants to the king—there is only one paramount ruler in Ibadan.”

With the throne now vacant, Ladoja’s coronation as the 44th Olubadan is expected to follow soon, pending official confirmation from the Oyo State government and the Olubadan-in-Council.

About The Author

Dele Fashomi

Dele Fashomi, seasoned journalist and communication teacher, is a holder of Master of Arts degree in Communication and Language Arts from the University of Ibadan in 1992/93.

Earlier, he had bagged a Bachelor degree from the same university in 1984, after which he proceeded to the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Lagos, in 1990, for a postgraduate diploma in Journalism.

He had done many courses in communication, including the EU-BBC Editing Course in 2002.

Mr. Fashomi combines effectively the practice, research and teaching of communication. And to date, he has published two academic works in communication: Issues in Communication Technology and Policy (2010) and Economic and Social Issues in Advertising and PR (2013).

He had his first break in the Nigerian media in Concord Newspapers in 1990 and today, he has over two and half decades experience earned in several newspapers.

He has been part of many start-ups, such as The Republic (1987), The Comet (1999), The Anchor 2001 – 2002; Sun Newspapers (2003); Westerner newsmagazine (2005 – 2010) as Editor; National Life (2011) as Sunday Editor, and Newswatch Newspapers (2012- 2016) as Daily Editor.

Dele Fashomi is now the Publisher/Editor-in-Chief of Newstide247.com newspaper online, which he started in July 2015. He is also into biography writing, with many books in his trail, some of which he wrote alone and one he co- authored with his mentor, Mr Dare Babarinsa, entitled: Olabiyi Durojaiye – DARE TO BE DiFFERENT. He also guided and collaborated with Pa Olatunji Odusanya in writing his autobiography – AGAINST ALL ODDS. There are many other books in the works under his pen.

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