Rasheed Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State, is set to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the death of Oba Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, who passed away barely one year after ascending the throne.
Almost exactly a year ago, on July 12, 2024, Oba Olakulehin was crowned the 43rd Olubadan in a grand coronation ceremony held at the iconic Mapo Hall.
The event drew the presence of dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, ministers, prominent traditional rulers, business leaders, and academics.
The ceremony, officiated by Governor Seyi Makinde, who presented the monarch with the staff of office, marked a historic moment in Ibadan’s rich cultural heritage.
However, on Monday, July 7, 2025, the ancient city was thrown into mourning following the king’s passing—just two days after his 90th birthday.
Oba Olakulehin, who hailed from the Balogun (warrior) line of Ibadan’s unique chieftaincy system, spent 38 years moving up the traditional ladder, beginning his journey as Jagun Balogun before eventually ascending the throne.
Ibadan’s traditional succession system alternates between two principal lines:
Balogun Line: comprising military-title holders such as the Ekarun Balogun, Ekerin Balogun, Ashipa Balogun, Osi Balogun, Otun Balogun, and culminating in the Balogun.
Otun Line: the civil hierarchy, featuring the Ekarun Olubadan, Ekerin Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and topped by the Otun Olubadan.
With the Balogun line having just produced a monarch, succession now shifts to the Otun line, where Rasheed Ladoja currently holds the position of Otun Olubadan, making him the next in line to the throne.
Oba Olakulehin was also the second Olubadan to rule from a formal palace. The newly commissioned ultramodern Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo, inaugurated by Governor Makinde, now serves as the official residence of Ibadan monarchs, a tradition which began with Olakulehin.
As Ibadan mourns yet another monarch, preparations quietly begin for the emergence of its next king—this time from the civil line, marking the expected ascension of High Chief Rasheed Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.