Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the former Oyo State governor, was officially installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025.
His ascension follows the passing of the late Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin in July.
Ladoja’s emergence is regarded as a “historic moment for Ibadan,” Nigeria’s largest indigenous city, and carries weight in the political space of Oyo State due to his long-standing influence.
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The newly installed monarch brings a diverse background in politics, business, and tradition to the throne.
10 Key Facts About the New Monarch
1. Former governor of Oyo State: Ladoja governed Oyo State between 2003 and 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party. His tenure included both achievements and a “dramatic impeachment,” which was later nullified in court.
2. Elder statesman on the throne: Born on September 25, 1944, he became Olubadan at 81 years old, combining politics, business, and traditional leadership experience.
3. Strong academic background: The monarch studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège in Belgium, speaks several languages, including French, and had a successful career before entering politics.
4. Business interests: Before entering public service, he worked with companies like Total Nigeria and later ran his own businesses, particularly in oil, gas, and shipping.
5. Long climb through Ibadan’s royal ladder: Ladoja joined the Olubadan succession line more than three decades ago, steadily rising through traditional titles such as Jagun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and Otun Olubadan before finally becoming Olubadan in 2025.
6. Defender of Ibadan culture: In 2017, he opposed and legally challenged late Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s attempt to crown multiple kings in Ibadan, winning the case and “preserving the structure of the city’s monarchy.”
7. Calm and diplomatic: He is known for being moderate, approachable, and capable of building bridges across political divides, qualities many believe he will use to “stabilise both Ibadan and Oyo State politics.”
8. Successor to Oba Olakulehin: Oba Ladoja stepped into the role after the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away in July 2025.
9. Political relevance even as monarch: Unlike many traditional rulers, Ladoja remains an influential political voice in Oyo and Nigeria at large, with his views continuing to shape debates within the PDP and beyond.
10. Symbol of tradition and modernity: His story blends Ibadan’s “deep-rooted culture” with the realities of politics and business, positioning him to carry both the “weight of history and the expectations of the future” as Olubadan.
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