By tradition, the Olubadan throne alternates between two ruling lines in Ibadan: the Egbe Agba (civil line) and the Balogun (military line).
With the late Oba Olakulehin hailing from the Balogun line, the next Olubadan is expected to emerge from the Egbe Agba line. At the top of this line is Senator Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and the most senior High Chief in the civil line.
Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State (2003–2007) and ex-senator, has steadily climbed the ranks of Ibadan’s unique traditional succession system over the years.
In August 2024, he was formally installed as Otun Olubadan by the late Oba Olakulehin in a ceremony that attracted top dignitaries, including then-acting Governor Bayo Lawal. The event also marked the resolution of long-standing disputes regarding Ladoja’s acceptance of the chieftaincy title, ultimately setting the stage for his potential rise to the prestigious Olubadan stool.
During the event, Ladoja emphasized Ibadan’s distinct traditional structure, where all other crowned kings serve as advisers to the Olubadan—the city’s sole paramount ruler.
He downplayed fears of crisis following reforms to the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, stressing that Ibadan elites are capable of resolving internal disputes peacefully.
“We settle our issues in Ibadanland,” Ladoja said. “Those expecting unrest misunderstand our tradition. Whenever differences arise, we resolve them privately, because we know what is right.”
He also clarified that the reforms reaffirmed the rights of senior chiefs—such as Otun, Osi, Asipa, and Ekerin—to receive beaded crowns, while only those chosen by fate eventually ascend to the Olubadan throne.
Having accepted his crown and title, Ladoja pledged loyalty to Oba Olakulehin, affirming his role as both adviser and servant to the monarch.
With the recent passing of Oba Olakulehin, all eyes are now on the Egbe Agba line, with growing anticipation that Senator Rashidi Ladoja may soon be named the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Olakulehin, who was crowned in July 2024, passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, just days after celebrating his birthday and less than a year after his official coronation by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde.
By tradition, the Olubadan throne alternates between two ruling lines in Ibadan: the Egbe Agba (civil line) and the Balogun (military line).
With the late Oba Olakulehin hailing from the Balogun line, the next Olubadan is expected to emerge from the Egbe Agba line. At the top of this line is Senator Rashidi Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland and the most senior High Chief in the civil line.
Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State (2003–2007) and ex-senator, has steadily climbed the ranks of Ibadan’s unique traditional succession system over the years.
In August 2024, he was formally installed as Otun Olubadan by the late Oba Olakulehin in a ceremony that attracted top dignitaries, including then-acting Governor Bayo Lawal. The event also marked the resolution of long-standing disputes regarding Ladoja’s acceptance of the chieftaincy title, ultimately setting the stage for his potential rise to the prestigious Olubadan stool.
