Former Oyo governor Rashidi Ladoja, 81, has ascended the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland after a 32-year chieftaincy journey.
Former Oyo State governor Rashidi Ladoja has been officially installed as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, a historic moment for Nigeria’s largest indigenous city. Born September 25, 1944, the 81-year-old monarch brings decades of political, business, and traditional leadership experience to the revered throne. Ladoja governed Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party, surviving a controversial impeachment later overturned by the courts. A chemical engineering graduate of the University of Liège, Belgium, he is fluent in several languages and previously worked with Total Nigeria before venturing into oil, gas, and shipping businesses.
His rise follows a 32-year progression through Ibadan’s seniority-based chieftaincy system, holding titles including Jagun Olubadan and Otun Olubadan. Renowned for diplomacy and moderation, he famously challenged and defeated a 2017 chieftaincy review that sought to elevate multiple chiefs to “kings.” Ladoja succeeds Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who died July 7, 2025. Residents expect him to play a stabilising role in Ibadanland and Oyo State politics.