Rasheed Ladoja Biography: Children, Age, Wife, Parents, Net Worth, Parents, Religion, Education
Biography
Rasheed Ladoja, born Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ibadan, Nigeria, is a distinguished Nigerian engineer, businessman, politician, and traditional ruler.
He earned a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Liège in Belgium (1966–1972). He began his career at Total Nigeria, rising through various roles over 13 years before venturing into private enterprise in 1985, with interests spanning shipping, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and transportation.
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Ladoja entered politics in the early 1990s, serving as a Senator for Oyo South (1992–1993) under the Social Democratic Party during Nigeria’s Third Republic.
He later became Governor of Oyo State on the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) platform, holding office from May 2003 to January 2006, when he was controversially impeached amid a power struggle with PDP godfather Lamidi Adedibu.
The Supreme Court reinstated him in December 2006, allowing him to serve until May 2007. A prominent figure in Ibadanland’s traditional hierarchy, Ladoja ascended to the position of Otun Olubadan in March 2024 and was approved as the 44th Olubadan-designate by Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde in August 2025, marking a historic milestone in his journey from a corporate engineer to a royal custodian.
| Former Governor of Oyo State | |
| Rasheed Ladoja | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Wiki Facts & About Data | |
| Real Name: | Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja |
| Stage Name: | Rasheed Ladoja, Olubadan of Ibadanland |
| Born: | 25 September 1944 (age 81 years old) |
| Place of Birth: | Gambari, Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria |
| State Of Origin: | Oyo State |
| Nationality: | Nigerian |
| Education: | Ibadan Boys High School, University of Liège, Olivet Baptist High School |
| Height: | N/A |
| Parents: | Alhaji Aruna Ladoja, Alhaja Haleemat Ladoja |
| Siblings: | N/A |
| Spouse: | Bukola Ladoja, Bolatito Ladoja, Olayinka Mutiat Ladoja, Olori Rashidat Olayinka Ladoja |
| Girlfriend • Partner: | Not Dating |
| Children: | Grace Ladoja, Sola Ladoja |
| Occupation: | Politician • Traditional Ruler |
| Net Worth: | $10 million-$15 million (USD) |
Early Life & Education
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ibadan, then part of the Southern Region of British Nigeria (now Oyo State, Nigeria).
Growing up in a modest rural setting near Ibadan, his early years were shaped by the cultural and economic environment of southwestern Nigeria during the late colonial and early post-independence periods.
His upbringing in this region influenced his later pursuits in education, business, and politics. Ladoja is of Yoruba ethnicity, typical of the Ibadan region.
He practices Islam, aligning with his family’s naming conventions and cultural background. His father was Alhaji Aruna Ladoja, a successful cocoa trader based in Ibadan, and his mother was Alhaja Haleemat Ladoja, known for her philanthropy and community leadership.
There is no publicly available information on Ladoja’s siblings in biographical records. His formal education began in Ibadan, where he attended Ibadan Boys High School from 1958 to 1963, followed by Olivet Baptist High School from 1964 to 1965.
He then pursued higher studies abroad at the University of Liège in Belgium from 1966 to 1972, earning a degree in chemical engineering. This technical foundation laid the groundwork for his early career in the oil and gas sector, before he transitioned into business and public service.
Career
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s remarkable career bridges engineering, business, politics, and traditional leadership, making him one of Ibadan’s most influential figures.
Born in 1944, Ladoja pursued higher education in Europe, earning a degree in chemical engineering from the University of Liège, Belgium, in 1972. He began his professional career at Total Nigeria, where he spent 13 years rising from junior engineer to senior management.
In 1985, he transitioned into entrepreneurship, building successful ventures across shipping, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and transportation, thereby establishing his reputation as a shrewd and versatile businessman.
His entry into politics came during Nigeria’s Third Republic, when he was elected Senator for Oyo South (1992–1993) under the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The military coup of 1993 cut short this role, but Ladoja returned in the Fourth Republic, contesting under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and winning the governorship of Oyo State in 2003.
As governor (May 2003–January 2006), he prioritized infrastructure development and education reforms. However, his tenure was turbulent, marred by a political power struggle with PDP stalwart Lamidi Adedibu, which culminated in his controversial impeachment in 2006. In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court reinstated him in December 2006, allowing him to complete his term until May 2007.
Beyond politics, Ladoja retained a strong influence in Ibadan’s traditional hierarchy. In March 2024, he advanced to the position of Otun Olubadan, one of the most senior chieftaincy titles.
By August 2025, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde approved his appointment as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, marking his transition into the highest traditional leadership role of the historic city.
Personal Life
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was born on September 25, 1944, making him 81 years old.
He is known to be polygamous, with multiple marriages in line with Yoruba cultural traditions, including a marriage to Olori Rashidat Olayinka Ladoja in 2002 after meeting her in 1998 through a mutual friend, during which their relationship developed gradually through persistent courtship marked by intellectual discussions and kindness on his part.
Other wives mentioned in public records include Mrs. Bukola Ladoja, Bolatito Ladoja, and Olayinka Mutiat Ladoja, though specific details on the timeline or number of all marriages are not comprehensively documented.
Ladoja has several children from his marriages, including notable ones such as Grace Ladoja, who is involved in the music and entertainment industry and welcomed a child with rapper Teezee in 2021, and Sola Ladoja, who has been associated with political figures; he also has grandchildren and at least one daughter referred to as the family’s lastborn.
There is no publicly available information on Ladoja‘s height. Beyond the details of his courtship with Rashidat, no extensive dating history is documented in available sources.
Net Worth
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, has amassed substantial wealth through a diverse portfolio that spans engineering, business, and politics.
After a 13-year career at Total Nigeria, he ventured into private enterprise in 1985, establishing ventures in shipping, manufacturing, banking, agriculture, and transportation. By 2000, he served as a director at Standard Trust Bank Limited, further bolstering his financial standing.
His net worth in 2025 is estimated to be approximately $10 million to $15 million USD (₦15–25 billion NGN), derived from his investments, real estate holdings, and influential roles as a former governor of Oyo State and traditional ruler.
His entrepreneurial acumen and diversification have enabled him to sustain his wealth amid Nigeria’s economic fluctuations.
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