The Olubadan-in-Council has nominated Rashidi Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The nomination was made on Monday during a council meeting held at the Oke-Aremo Palace of the Olubadan.

The council, consisting of 11 high-ranking chiefs—including Ladoja himself—are traditionally in line to ascend the throne.

Tajudeen Ajibola, the Balogun Olubadan of the military line, confirmed that “the council unanimously endorsed Ladoja’s nomination and will now forward his name to Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State for official confirmation.”

The nomination follows the end of the 21-day mourning period for the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on July 7 after just one year on the throne.

“We will forward the resolutions of our meeting to our Governor, Seyi Makinde. He will now pick a date to present a staff of office to the new Olubadan,” Ajibola was quoted as saying by Punch.

“The late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be buried this week. So, this week is not feasible.”

“He (Makinde) may decide to pick three weeks, two weeks or one week.”

“Ladoja, who previously served as a senator and holds the title of Otun Olubadan, is next in line to ascend the throne from the civil line.”