The death of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, has stirred fresh attention towards the traditional succession system of the ancient city, with indications pointing to former Oyo State governor, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, as the likely next monarch.
There were reports that the gazette on the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration targeted the aspiration of the present Otun Olubadan of Ibadaland, Rashidi Ladoja. …CONTINUE READING
The Insinuations were rife that the government was keen on implementing the amendments so as to disqualify Ladoja from assuming the Olubadan stool.
Oba Olakulehin, who ascended the throne in July 2024 as the 43rd Olubadan, passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, barely two days after celebrating his 90th birthday.
His reign, though short-lived, followed the demise of Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun in March 2024.
Under Ibadan’s unique and time-tested succession system, ascension to the revered stool is largely determined by seniority within two ruling lines—the Balogun (military) and the Otun Olubadan (civil) lines. With Oba Olakulehin hailing from the Balogun line, the rotational tradition suggests that the next monarch must emerge from the Otun line.
At present, the most senior chief from that line is High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan. Having recently accepted the crown after years of political and cultural hesitation, Ladoja’s path to the Olubadan stool appears clear, pending official ratification and customary rites.
Ladoja, during his installation as Otun Olubadan, affirmed that all doubts regarding his role and legitimacy in the chieftaincy hierarchy had been addressed.
He declared readiness to serve and uphold the traditions of Ibadanland, stressing that his decision to join the Olubadan line was in the best interest of the city.
With his extensive experience in public leadership and long years of steady rise through the ranks, the former governor stands in prime position to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. His eventual emergence, if confirmed, would further reinforce the enduring legacy of Ibadan’s orderly, predictable and peaceful traditional leadership structure.
