- Ladoja Set to Succeed as Next Olubadan Following Oba Olakulehin’s Passing
- Oba Olakulehin became only the second monarch to reign from an official palace
- Ibadan’s chieftaincy structure is deeply hierarchical, with six levels in both ruling lines
With the passing of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, attention has now turned to High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former Governor of Oyo State, who is next in line to ascend the throne based on the city’s revered succession tradition.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Oba Olakulehin hailed from the Balogun (military) line of succession, ascended the throne on July 12, 2024, following a 38-year journey through the ranks of the Olubadan chieftaincy system. His reign, however, lasted less than a year, ending with his recent death.
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His coronation, held at Mapo Hall, was a grand cultural event attended by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, several governors, ministers, traditional rulers, and other national figures. Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde officially presented him with the staff of office, ushering in a reign marked by symbolic transitions in Ibadan’s royal history.
Oba Olakulehin became only the second monarch to reign from an official palace, the newly built Olubadan Palace at Oke-Aremo breaking from the longstanding tradition of ruling from private residences. This marked a new era in Ibadan’s traditional leadership, one now briefly punctuated by his untimely departure.
The Olubadan title alternates between two ruling lines: the Balogun line (military) and the Otun line (civil). With the Balogun line having last produced the monarch, tradition now shifts to the Otun line positioning Ladoja, the most senior chief in that lineage, as the rightful successor.
Ibadan’s chieftaincy structure is deeply hierarchical, with six levels in both ruling lines. Chiefs ascend through these ranks over several decades, culminating in eligibility for the Olubadan throne.
With Oba Olakulehin’s passing, the succession cycle now turns, and tradition clears the way for High Chief Ladoja to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
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