Ibadan, Oyo State — The Olubadan-in-Council has officially nominated former Oyo State governor, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The decision was reached on Monday during a meeting of the council held at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area. Although Oba Ladoja was absent, all members of the council appended their signatures to the official nomination document.
Presiding over the session, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, confirmed the council’s unanimous choice.
“We have all signed and nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Oba Ajibola declared.
He, however, noted that the coronation will not take place this week due to the ongoing burial arrangements for the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on Monday, July 7, 2025.
“The late Olubadan will be buried this week, so this week is not feasible for the installation. It is now left to Governor Seyi Makinde to decide whether the coronation will be in one week, two weeks, or three,” Ajibola explained.
Oba Ladoja, who served as Oyo State governor between 2003 and 2007, is next in line for the revered throne under the traditional rotational succession system of Ibadanland. His ascension is expected to usher in a new chapter in the history of the ancient city.
