Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja is on the brink of ascending the throne as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the recent passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin on July 7, 2025.
As Otun Olubadan, he is currently the highest-ranking chief on the civil line and is the rightful successor under the city’s well-established traditional system.
Born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ibadan, Rashidi Ladoja grew up within the cultural environment of Oyo State.
His early education began at Ibadan Boys High School, followed by Olivet Baptist High School, where he built a solid academic foundation.
He later travelled to Belgium for his tertiary education, where he studied chemical engineering at the University of Liège.
His time in Europe helped shape his professional and personal development, preparing him for a multifaceted career back home.
After returning to Nigeria, Ladoja began working with the multinational oil company Total, marking the start of a long professional journey. He soon ventured into private business and later moved into politics, where he built a reputation for being bold and determined.
Ladoja first came into national prominence when he became the Governor of Oyo State in May 2003, running on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His tenure, however, was cut short in January 2006 when he was impeached under controversial circumstances.
The political drama that followed became one of the most talked-about episodes in Oyo State’s democratic history. After nearly a year of legal battles, he was reinstated in December 2006 by the Supreme Court and completed his term in May 2007.
Even after leaving the governor’s office, Ladoja remained active in Nigeria’s political scene. Over the years, he contested several elections under different political parties, consistently keeping himself involved in national and regional affairs. In 2018, he joined the Zenith Labour Party, further confirming his dedication to politics and public service.
His traditional journey took a significant turn in August 2024 when he formally accepted the title of Otun Olubadan, receiving the beaded crown that comes with it.
This step was not only ceremonial but also essential under the updated chieftaincy declaration, which requires all future Olubadans to be crowned Obas before taking the throne.
Speaking on a private radio station in Ibadan shortly after accepting the crown, Ladoja said: “By the grace of God, I will become Olubadan. My blood pressure has been stable; anyone God destined to become Olubadan will become Olubadan.”
