Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Ascends Throne as 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, September 26, 2025, in a grand ceremony at the historic Mapo Hall.
The event, which came just a day after his 81st birthday, followed the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin and ushered in a new era for the ancient city.
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Thousands of residents, dignitaries, and traditional rulers gathered in a colorful celebration of Yoruba culture, with Governor Seyi Makinde presenting the staff and instrument of office to the new monarch.
In his acceptance speech, Oba Ladoja called for unity among the people of Ibadan and urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to consider the creation of an Ibadan State.
Born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari village near Ibadan, Oba Ladoja hails from the Otun lineage, a key branch of Ibadan’s chieftaincy system. His early education took place at Ibadan Boys High School (1958–1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964–1965).
He later studied chemical engineering at the University of Liège in Belgium, graduating in 1972. His professional career began at Total Nigeria, where he worked for 13 years before venturing into private business with investments in shipping, banking, manufacturing, and agriculture. By 2000, he had risen to the board of Standard Trust Bank Limited.
Ladoja entered politics during Nigeria’s Third Republic, serving briefly as a Senator for Oyo South from 1992 to 1993, before his term was cut short by a military coup. In 2003, he was elected Governor of Oyo State under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
His tenure was marked by both achievements and controversy, including his impeachment in 2006 following a fallout with PDP strongman Lamidi Adedibu. The decision was later overturned by the courts, and Ladoja completed his term in 2007. Despite subsequent EFCC charges and multiple unsuccessful gubernatorial bids, he remained a prominent voice in Oyo politics, eventually aligning with various parties, including Accord, ADC, and ZLP.
His traditional journey was just as eventful. Rising through Ibadan’s unique rotational chieftaincy system, Ladoja became Otun Olubadan and was formally elevated with a beaded crown in August 2024. Following Oba Owolabi Olakulehin’s death, he was nominated on July 7, 2025, and officially approved as Olubadan by Governor Makinde on August 21, 2025.
Oba Ladoja is a devout Muslim and is married to Olayinka Mutiat Ladoja. While details of his children and extended family remain largely private, his personal life reflects a balance between modern achievements and deep-rooted Yoruba traditions.
The coronation drew high-profile attendees, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Vice President Kashim Shettima, and notable traditional rulers such as the Oluwo of Iwo, the Soun of Ogbomoso, and the Alaafin of Oyo.
Political figures, business leaders, and cultural icons also graced the occasion, while Peter Obi sent his congratulations via social media. The streets of Ibadan overflowed with music, dancing, and traditional pageantry, transforming the city into a hub of celebration.
As Oba Ladoja—now styled Arusa I—begins his reign, expectations are high. His journey from engineer, businessman, and politician to monarch reflects resilience and leadership.
With his coronation hailed as a triumph of Ibadan’s rotational monarchy system, many look to him to preserve the city’s cultural heritage while guiding it toward further progress.
