* Ladoja
THE Olubadan throne is unique in its structured and predictable succession system, which ensures a seamless transfer of power. Unlike many traditional rulerships in Nigeria, the Olubadan succession follows a well-defined ladder within two ruling lines: the Otun Olubadan (civil line) and the Balogun (military line). Chiefs ascend through ranks in these lines until they reach the position of Otun Olubadan or Balogun of Ibadanland, making them eligible to become the Olubadan.
The current Otun Olubadan, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, is the next in line from the civil line following Oba Olakulehin’s reign. This system, rooted in Ibadan’s history, minimizes disputes and ensures that the most senior chief ascends the throne. But who is Ladoja, and why is his potential ascension generating buzz?
Who is High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja?
High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja is a towering figure in Ibadan’s traditional and political landscape. Born on 25 September 1944, Ladoja is a seasoned politician, businessman, and traditional leader. He served as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2006, making him one of the few individuals to hold both significant political and traditional roles in Nigeria. As the current Otun Olubadan, Ladoja holds the highest rank in the civil line, positioning him as the likely successor to Oba Olakulehin.
Ladoja’s prominence extends beyond politics. His commitment to preserving Ibadan’s cultural heritage and fostering unity has earned him respect across Oyo State and beyond. His involvement in recent traditional matters, including representing Oba Olakulehin during the suspension of two Mogajis (family heads) for land grabbing in May 2025, underscores his active role in the Olubadan-in-Council.
The Olubadan Succession Line: What Happens Next?
As the Otun Olubadan, Ladoja is the immediate successor from the civil line. If he ascends, the Balogun line would produce the next Olubadan after him, continuing the alternating pattern. The process involves:
Confirmation by the Olubadan-in-Council: The council, comprising senior chiefs, verifies the successor’s eligibility.
Approval by the Oyo State Government: The governor, currently Seyi Makinde, must endorse the new Olubadan.
Coronation: A formal ceremony, often attended by dignitaries, marks the official installation.
This structured system has ensured stability in Ibadan’s traditional rulership for centuries, with minimal disputes compared to other Nigerian monarchies.
Ladoja’s experience as a former governor could be a unique asset, potentially making him the first Olubadan to have held such a high political office.
FULL LIST: Past Olubadans – Years On Throne
Forty-Three Olubadans have ruled the ancient city of Ibadan since Yoruba took over the territory in 1820.
1. (One year): Lagelu – 1820
2. (Six years): Baale Maye Okunade – 1820-1826
3. (Four years): Baale Oluyendun Labosinde – 1826-1830
4. (Five years): Baale Lakanle – 1830-1835
5. (15 Years): Basorun Oluyole Ojaba – 1835-1850
6. (One year): Baale Oderinlo Opeagbe Idiomo/Kure – 1850-1851
7. (13 Years): Baale Oyesile Olugbode Ita Baale – 1851-1864
8. (One year): Ba’ale Ibikunle – 1864-1865
9. (Two Years): Basorun Ogumola Mapo – 1865-1867
10. (Three Years): Balogun Beyioku Akere Onitamperin – 1867-1870
11. (One year): Baale Orowusi (Awarun) Kobomoje – 1870-1871
12. (14 Years): Aare Oadoke Latoosa Oke-Are – 1871-1885
13. (Eight Years): Balogun Ajayi Osungbekun Kobmoje – 1885-1893
14. (Two Years): Baate Fijabi 1 (Omo Babalola) Oritamerin – 1893-1895
15. (Two Years): Baale Osuntoki Olusun Agbeni – 1895-1897
16. (Five Years): Badorun Fajimi (Yerombi) Oranyan – 1897-1902
17. (Two Years): Baale Mosaderin Sunlehinmi Oranyan – 1902-1904
18. (Three Years): Baale Dada Opadare Mapo – 1904-1907
19. (Three Years): Basorun Sumonu Apanpa Isale-Osi – 1907-1910
20. (Two Years): Baale Akintayo Awanibaku Elenpe Bere, Aboke – 1910-1912
21. (Two Years): Baale Irefin (Omo Ogundeyi) Oke Ofa Babasale – 1912-1914
22. (11 Years): Baale Shitu (Omo Are Latosa) Oke Are 1914-1925 11
23. (Five Years): Baale Oyewole Aiyejenku Omo Foko Oke Foko – 1925-1930
24. (16 Years): Olubadan Okunola Abaasi Alesinloye Isale Ijebu – 1930-1946
25. (Three Months): Olubadan Fagbinrin Akere II Oritamerin – 1946-1946
26. (Eight Months): Olubadan Oyetunde I Eleta – 1946-1946
27. (One year): Olubadan Akintunde Bioku Oleyo, Oranyan – 1947-1948
28. (Four Years): Olubadan Fijabi II Oritamerin – 1948-1952
29. (Four Months): Olubadan Memudu Alli Iwo Gbenla – 1952- 1952
30. (Three Months): Olubadan Igbintade Apete Oke Ofa – 1952-1955
31. (Nine Years): Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele Alafara – 1955-1964
32. (Two Months): Oba Yesufu Kobiowu Oranyan – 1964-1964
33. (Six Years): Oba Salawu Akanbi Aminu Adeoyo – 1965-1971
34. (Five Years): Oba Shittu Akintola Oyetunde II Eleta – 1971- 1976
35. (One year): Oba Gbadamosi Akanbi Adebimpe Odinjo – 1976- 1977
36. (Five Years): Oba Daniel Tayo Akinbiyi Elekuro – 1977-1982
37. (10 Years): Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike IdiAro – 1983- 1993
38. (Six Years): Oba Emmanuel Adegboyega Operinde Isale Ijebu – 1993-1999
39. (Eight Years): Oba Yinusa B. Ogundipe Arapasowu I Oranyan – 1999-2007
40. (Nine Years): Oba Samuel Odulana Olugade I- 2007–2016
41. (Six Years): Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji – 2016–2022
42. (Two Years): Oba Lekan Balogun – 2022–2024.
43. Oba Owolabi Olalere Olakulehin- 12 July 2024 – 7 July 2025.
•Additional reports courtesy of Oyo Affairs.
Credit: Eighteen-Eleven Media
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