Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has officially approved the nomination of Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Following the governor’s endorsement, Ladoja is set to be formally installed at a coronation ceremony scheduled for Friday, September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall in Ibadan.
A delegation by the state government, its gathered, met yesterday with Ladoja and other members of the Olubadan-in-Council at his Bodija, Ibadan residence.
A media aide to Ladoja, Chief Adeola Oloko, who confirmed the meeting said, “Ladoja will be enthroned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, 26 September, 2025.”
Earlier that day, Ladoja who previously served as governor of Oyo State held a closed-door session with the kingmakers at his private residence on Ondo Street, Old Bodija.
It was their first meeting since his return to Ibadan after the death of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. The meeting lasted approximately two hours.
The former Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, joined his ancestors six weeks ago a few days after his 90th birthday celebrations.
But Ladoja, who had left town prior to the passing of the late Olubadan, returned to Ibadan Ibadan on Monday, preparatory to his official approval as the new Olubadan.
Ladoja, who described his journey to the throne as “bumpy and filled with trials”, attributed his emergence to the grace of God, Ladoja.
He spoke publicly for the first time on Monday since his official nomination, reflecting on the emotional and spiritual weight of his ascension following the death of his predecessor.
He paid tribute to the late Olubadan, describing him as a traditional ruler who upheld Ibadan’s customs with dignity and honor. He extended condolences to the royal family, the Olubadan-in-Council, and the people of Ibadanland.
Recounting his path to the throne, Ladoja noted that his journey began over three decades ago when he was installed as Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland on October 1, 1993.
Since then, he has steadily risen through the 36 hierarchical steps of the Ibadan traditional chieftaincy system—one of the most structured in Yorubaland.
“It has been a journey of patience, perseverance, and divine favour. Many who started this journey with me are no longer alive,” he said emotionally.
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