Dare Babalola
The reign of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland came to an end in the early hours of Monday after spending almost a year on one of Nigeria’s most revered traditional stools.
Oba Olakulehin was born on July 5 1935 to the family of Pa Ishola-Okin Owolabi and Madam Adunola Aweni Ope Ajilaran Omoyoade Owolabi in Okugbaja village. He was sworn in as Olubadan specifically July 12, 2024,
He was the first from his lineage to become the Olubadan and during his coronation, which was attended by several dignitaries led by President Bola Tinubu, the late monarch chose to bear the name of the family, Olubadan Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin 1.
Following his death on July 7, 2025, questions have arisen about who will succeed him as the next Olubadan.
Because of the succession system of the Olubadan kingship, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, a prominent figure in Ibadan’s traditional hierarchy and a former governor of Oyo State will succeed the late monarch.
Ascending the coveted throne is well structured and always predictable because it follows a ladder within two ruling lines: the Otun Olubadan (civil line) and the Balogun (military line).
Chiefs ascend through ranks in these lines until they reach the position of Otun Olubadan or Balogun of Ibadanland, making them eligible to become the Olubadan.
Here are a few things to know about the next Olubadan, High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja:
High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja is a towering figure in Ibadan’s traditional and political landscape. Born on September 25, 1944, Ladoja is a seasoned politician, businessman, and traditional leader.
Ladoja was elected to the Senate of Nigeria in 1993 during the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic, and was a member of the United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP) during the Abacha Political Transition.
He served as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2006, and from 2006 to 2007. He was impeached in January 2006, and reinstated in December 2006.
He is one of the few individuals to hold both significant political and traditional roles in Nigeria.
Ladoja has worked in diverse sectors which include: Oil and gas, banking, agriculture, shipping, manufacturing and transportation.
He is married to Bolatito Ladoja.
