Olubadan: Focus shifts to Rashidi Ladoja as next to the throne

Former Governor of Oyo State, Rashidi Ladoja, who is the Otun Olubadan is the next in rank to the Olubadan stool.

And with passing of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, succession processes are on and focus is now shifted to Ladoja, who is the next in rank.

Oba Olakulehin died on July 7, 2025, just two days after clocking 90, having reigned for barely a year.

Indeed, Ibadan’s traditional leadership stands out from other monarchies in Nigeria for its unique, hierarchical structure. The Olubadan throne alternates between two major lines: the Otun Olubadan (civil line) and the Balogun (military line). Unlike hereditary monarchies, Ibadan’s system progresses through promotion. Chiefs gradually rise through the ranks until they become the most senior in their line, automatically making them next in line to become Olubadan.

Currently, High Chief Ladoja as the Otun Olubadan, is the most senior chief on the civil line and naturally, the next in line to the throne following Oba Olakulehin, who came from the Balogun line.

This system, deeply rooted in Ibadan’s history, is designed to minimize succession crises, ensuring that the most experienced and senior chief becomes Olubadan.

High Chief Ladoja is no stranger to Ibadan’s political and traditional space. Born on September 25, 1944, Ladoja carved a name for himself in business and politics before stepping into traditional leadership. He served as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2006 and is remembered for his influence on both governance and grassroots mobilization.

Now as Otun Olubadan, his dual experience as a politician and a top-ranking traditional chief makes him a compelling candidate for the throne. Interestingly, should he ascend, Ladoja would be the first Olubadan to have served as a state governor.

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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