By: Thomas Abidoye
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, reportedly passed away in the early hours of today.
His death marks the end of an era and opens the door for the next in line to ascend the revered throne.
According to the established Ibadan traditional hierarchy, succession follows a clear and structured order.
Based on this hierarchy, the next Olubadan is the current Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja.
Chief Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, is a respected elder and prominent figure in Ibadan traditional and political circles.
His ascension, once formally announced and approved, will continue the peaceful and orderly succession tradition of the Olubadan chieftaincy system.
AMILOADED recall that in August 2024 while speaking on a radio program, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja declared that he will become Olubadan of Ibadanland by the grace of God.
Ladoja, who spoke during the programme titled “Agbami Oselu” last year, insisted that no obstacle put against him will prevent him to become Olubadan if God want him to become Olubadan.
Responding to the questions during the live radio programme, Ladoja added that he will do what the people of Ibadan want.
He said that there are many people who become Balogun or Otun Olubadan but do not become Olubadan because those people were not destined to become Olubadan.
Ladoja said, “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. God has been merciful to me. My blood pressure has been stable.
“Anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan. There is not amount of obstacles that they may put on the road, if God says someone will become Olubadan, he will become Olubadan.
“This thing started during the regime of my younger brother, Abiola Ajimobi, and I won. It has been there since. What I know is that it is the Olubadan that is suppose to make any amendment and not the governor.
“I will do what Ibadan people want. Everything is being determined by God. We have had many people who became Balogun that did not become Olubadan, we have had many people who became Otun Olubadan but did not become Olubadan. Omiyale and Kuye died ten days apart.”