Profile of Ex-Oyo Governor, Rasheed Ladoja, as He Sets to Become 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland!
Profile of Ex-Oyo Governor, Rasheed Ladoja, as He Sets to Become 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland!
History is about to be made in Ibadan. With the recent passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the revered 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, the succession process is now set to shift to the Otun line of the city’s unique chieftaincy system.
At the top of that line stands High Chief (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja — former Governor of Oyo State, seasoned businessman, and distinguished public figure. Barring any unforeseen changes, he is next in line to ascend the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ladoja’s profile is as rich as it is remarkable:
Born on September 25, 1944, he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Liège, Belgium.
A technocrat turned politician, he served as Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007, surviving a controversial impeachment and winning reinstatement through the Supreme Court.
He is also a respected entrepreneur, with investments across banking, shipping, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Politically, Ladoja has been a pillar in multiple parties, including PDP, Accord Party, ADC, and Zenith Labour Party.
Culturally, he has risen steadily through the civil (Egbe Agba) chieftaincy line in Ibadan, becoming the Otun Olubadan in 2024 — a heartbeat away from the throne.
If crowned, Senator Ladoja will be the first former executive governor to become Olubadan, fusing modern governance experience with deep-rooted traditional authority.
This historic development not only underscores the strength of Ibadan’s rotational leadership system but also highlights the enduring relevance of indigenous institutions in contemporary Nigerian society.
As Ibadan awaits the formal confirmation, one thing is certain — a new chapter is unfolding, and the city’s next monarch will be one of its most illustrious sons.
Àwọn ará Ìbàdàn, ẹ ku oríire o!