Almost a year ago, on July 12, 2024, history was made in Ibadan when Oba Owolabi Olakulehin became the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland. His coronation took place at the iconic Mapo Hall, and the event was celebrated in grand style.
The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, officially handed him the staff of office, making him the new king of Ibadanland. Top dignitaries from Nigeria and even beyond, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, ministers, traditional rulers, industry leaders, and academics, attended the occasion.
Unfortunately, the joy didn’t last long. The beloved king passed away just under a year later, leaving the ancient city of Ibadan in mourning.
A Palace Fit for Royalty
Oba Olakulehin was only the second Olubadan to reign from a modern palace. The first was Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike, who lived in the old palace at Oja’ba. Now, the newly built Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo, commissioned by Governor Makinde, will be the permanent home for all future Olubadans.
Before now, each Olubadan ruled from his personal home. But this new palace marks a change in tradition and gives the Olubadan a proper royal residence.
How Someone Becomes the Olubadan
To become the Olubadan, you must be part of one of two special chieftaincy lines: the Balogun line (warriors) or the Otun line (civil leaders).
Here’s how each line works:
The Balogun Line (Warrior Side)
Ekarun Balogun – 6th position
Ekerin Balogun – 5th
Ashipa Balogun – 4th
Osi Balogun – 3rd
Otun Balogun – 2nd
Balogun – 1st (the top)
The Otun Line (Civil Side)
Ekarun Olubadan – 6th
Ekerin Olubadan – 5th
Ashipa Olubadan – 4th
Osi Olubadan – 3rd
Otun Olubadan – 2nd
Olubadan – 1st (the top)
Oba Olakulehin came from the Balogun line and waited 38 long years to get to the top after starting as Jagun Balogun, the very first step on the line.
Meet the Incoming Olubadan: Senator Rasheed Ladoja
Now, with the Balogun line done, it’s time for the Otun line. And at the top of that line is Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, a well-known leader and politician in Oyo State.
Let’s get to know him better:
1. Birth: Born on September 24, 1944, in Gambari, Ibadan.
2. Education: Attended Ibadan Boys High School (1958–1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964–1965).
3. He studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège in Belgium (1966–1972).
4. Became a Senator in 1993 during the short Third Republic in Nigeria.
5. Rose to become a Director at Stand.ard Trust Bank in 2000.
6. Elected Governor of Oyo State in 2003 under the PDP.
7. Had political clashes with his godfather, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, which affected his time in office.
8. Impeached in January 2006, and replaced by his deputy, Alao-Akala.
9. He later won his case in court and was reinstated in December 2006.
10. Could not secure a second-term ticket under PDP, so he supported another party.
11. In 2008, he was arrested by the EFCC for allegedly mismanaging state funds. He was released on bail.
12. He ran for governor again in 2011 and 2015 under the Accord Party, but lost both times.
13. Later joined the ADC, then the ZLP, and finally took a break from politics.
14. Since then, he has focused on his chieftaincy duties in Ibadan.
15. On August 12, 2024, the late Oba Olakulehin formally presented a ceremonial crown to Ladoja, which he once refused during Governor Ajimobi’s time.
Final Word
Now, Senator Rasheed Ladoja is expected to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, a huge milestone in his journey through public service, tradition, and leadership.
From the senate to the palace, Ladoja’s story is a remarkable one—and Ibadan awaits another chapter in its rich royal history.
