Follow Us on Google
•As 43rd Olubadan joins ancestors
By Oluseye Ojo
Following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, all eyes have now shifted to former Oyo State governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who is next in line to ascend the ancient throne.
Oba Olakulehin passed away yesterday at the age of 90, two days after marking his birthday and one year on the throne. He received his staff of office from Governor Seyi Makinde on July 12, 2024, after succeeding Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who joined his ancestors in 2024, two years after he ascended the throne.
With his passing, the well-established rotational succession system of the Ibadan traditional institution now positions Ladoja, Otun Olubadan, as the most senior high chief and next in line to be crowned.
Ladoja, a prominent political figure and respected statesman, was governor from 2003 to 2007.
Despite his political engagements, he remained active in the Ibadan traditional hierarchy, steadily progressing through the civil line of the Olubadan chieftaincy ladder over several decades.
The Ibadan traditional succession system is unique in Nigeria. Unlike most monarchies, where lineage or heredity determines ascension, the Olubadan title rotates between two lines, with succession determined by seniority. Ladoja, having climbed through the ranks of the civil line, has reached the apex.
Sources within the Olubadan-in-Council have confirmed that preparations are underway for the formal announcement of Ladoja’s nomination, pending ratification by Governor Makinde and the Oyo State Executive Council.
Traditionally, once the position is officially declared vacant and the council reaches consensus, the governor is expected to present the staff of office.
Ladoja’s anticipated ascension is already stirring reactions across Ibadanland and beyond, with many describing it as a “historic moment” that will see a former governor and national political figure wear the crown of Ibadan’s highest traditional office.
The late Oba Olakulehin’s burial arrangements are expected to be announced in the coming days by the Olubadan-in-Council. Meanwhile, attention now shifts to Agodi, where the final nod for Ladoja’s coronation will come from the Oyo State Government.
If confirmed, Ladoja will become the 44th Olubadan.
Meanwhile, a visit to the residence of Ladoja at Ondo Street, Bodija Estate, Ibadan, yesterday, showed that people have started converging to identify with him.
But Ladoja, 80, was not at home. Sources within the family confirmed that he travelled out of the country, and would return to Ibadan as soon as possible.
It was also observed at the official palace of Olubadan at Oke-Aremo that its entrance and exit gates have been locked, and outsiders were not allowed into its premises. Also, at Alalubosa GRA residence of the late Oba Olakulehin, some family members and friends were sighted in sombre mood.
As gathered, promotion to the throne of Olubadan is regarded as two sides of a coin. When a king dies, the bereaved family will be grieving.
But it has always been celebration galore in the family of the next person to occupy the throne, which is why one of the panagyrics of Ibadan is ‘Omo Agbotikuyo’, meaning descendants of those that celebrate when they heard of death of a reigning Olubadan.
The ascension to the throne of Olubadan is widely regarded as one of the best and most well-structured in the South West region of Nigeria.
Unlike other traditional chieftaincy systems, Ibadan’s succession to the Olubadan throne is free from rancour, litigation, and usurpation.
Also, any male child title-holder of the metropolitan centre of the city is a potential king. He also has to be installed as Mogaji of his family compound, from where he is expected to get promotion to one of the two lines that have been producing Olubadan on rotational basis.
From Mogaji, the chief will either become Jagun Olubadan (Civil or Otun Line) or Jagun Balogun (Military or Balogun line).
It was gathered that from the title of Jagun, only death usually determines promotion, as one chief or the other will have to die before the chiefs under him will get promoted to the next ranks.
Ibadan’s chieftaincy system does not rely on ruling houses but on two ruling lines: the “Egbe Agba” (Civil) and “Balogun” (Military) lines. These lines determine the appointment of the Olubadan on a rotational basis.
The Olubadan that just joined his ancestors was produced by the Balogun Line while his predecessor was produced by the Otun Line. According to the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, the next Olubadan will be produced by the Otun Line. The most senior traditional ruler on the Otun Line is Ladoja.
The Otun Olubadan (Civil) and Balogun of Ibadanland (Military) are second-class traditional rulers under the Western Nigeria Law and hold the highest positions in their respective lines.
The succession process involves climbing a series of steps: 22 steps on the Civil line and 23 steps on the Military line.
On the average, it takes 35 to 40 years to groom an Olubadan through these stages of chieftaincy promotions
Ladoja, born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village, Ibadan, Oyo State, will be 81 years old on September 25.
He is a businessman, politician, and traditional ruler, who served as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007.
He attended Ibadan City Council Primary School, Ibadan; Ibadan Boys High School (1958-1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964-1965).
He graduated from University of Liège, Belgium, where he earned a degree in Chemical Engineering (1966-1972)
Ladoja worked with Total Nigeria for 13 years, and rose to prominent positions before venturing into private business in 1985. His business interests include shipping, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and transportation.
He was elected in 1993 during the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic as a senator, and governor of Oyo State 2003. He served from May 2003 to January 2006, and was impeached. He was reinstated in December 2006 via Supreme Court decision, and served till May 2007.
Daily Sun gathered that the Ibadan kingmakers, known as Obas-in-Council, would hold crucial meetings with the officials of Ibadan South West Local Government Area of the state.
The local government would write official correspondence to the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, for onward movement to Governor Seyi Makinde’s approval.
The Ibadan kingmakers, according to sources, would meet within days to ratify the emergence of Ladoja.
