Isaac Adegboye
Rashidi Ladoja is a man whose life has been shaped by patience, perseverance, and unflappable calm traits that helped see him through long waits, political storms, and ultimately, the throne of Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He was born on September 25, 1944, in Gambari, an area on the outskirts of Ibadan. it was apparent early on that Ladoja would one day occupy a position of respect, though the journey would be anything but easy.
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His grandmother, a respected trader in Gambari, played a major role in his early years, with his naming ceremony after birth turning into a three-day celebration.
Began his Education at Life Mission School (later Ibadan Progressive Day School), Ibadan Boys High School, and Olivet Baptist High School, Ladoja went on to win a scholarship to Belgium.
At the University of Liège in 1972, he earned a degree in chemical engineering. Over 13 years, he built his career in oil and business, becoming a millionaire before the age of 40.
Ladoja’s entry into politics was gradual. He became a senator in the short-lived Third Republic under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and later became governor of Oyo State via the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).
His collaboration with political powers, however, broke down, leading to a dramatic impeachment by the state assembly in 2006.
Ladoja challenged that impeachment in court, and later that year, and again after appeal, he was reinstated, a landmark moment in Nigerian democratic jurisprudence.
Furthermore, in 2018/19, he was investigated by the EFCC over allegations related to misappropriation during his governorship. After years of legal battles, he was cleared in 2019 when the charge was dropped due to lack of credible evidence.
Alongside his political life, Ladoja’s business acumen continued to draw attention. He founded a bank (Crystal Bank) in response to frustration with his own banking experience, and his involvement in banking, shipping, and business enterprises has been significant.
In 2023, following the passing of the previous Olubadan, Owolabi Olakulehin, Ladoja who had risen through ranks like jagun, otun, and highest-ranking chief in the civil line was finally positioned for the throne. Long before ascending, he was known for his steadiness under pressure.
At age 70, during heated political action and speculation, he once declared his blood pressure was 110/70 and affirmed his readiness for whatever came, saying: “I don’t frustrate myself; I do not panic.”
Then came a crowning moment: on September 26, 2025, Rashidi Ladoja was formally crowned as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, stepping into a role rooted in centuries of tradition.
The coronation ceremony was held at Mapo Hall, following the death of his predecessor, Olubadan Owolabi Olakulehin. Traditional and political dignitaries joined thousands of Ibadan indigenes to welcome him into the exalted role.
The pomp and pageantry, the presentation of the staff of office, and the chants resonating through Mapo Hall marked not just a one-day event but the culmination of decades of patient progression through Ibadan’s hierarchical chieftaincy ladder.
As Olubadan, Ladoja now carries a heavy mantle: to preserve tradition while guiding Ibadan through modern challenges.
He remains a figure whose journey reflects both the struggles and possibilities of Nigerian public life, continually maintaining that true leaders are “deliberately raised,” resisting the fashions and pressures of politics in favor of steadiness.
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