With the royal succession rotating to the civil line, Ladoja emerges as the next in line to lead Ibadanland.
Former Oyo State Governor and current Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, is set to become the next Olubadan following the death of Oba Akinloye Olalere Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025. Oba Olakulehin, who ascended the throne in July 2024, died at the age of 90 after reigning for just over a year.
According to Ibadan’s traditional succession system, the throne rotates between the civil and military lines. With the late monarch from the military line, the next Olubadan is expected to emerge from the civil line—positioning Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan, as the rightful successor.
The Ibadan kingmakers are expected to nominate Ladoja, after which the Oyo State governor will present him with the staff and certificate of office.
Ladoja, who governed Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, has been a prominent figure in Ibadan’s chieftaincy hierarchy and is widely seen as the next in line for the revered stool.