Former Governor of Oyo State, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has officially been crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ladoja received the crown at the Ose Meji Temple in Ibadan South-East Local Government Area after first being adorned with the symbolic Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba.
He is expected to be formally presented with the staff of office by Governor Seyi Makinde at the historic Mapo Hall.
The new Olubadan emerged following the death of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakuleh, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7, 2025.
The colourful installation ceremony drew hundreds of guests and residents clad in vibrant attire. Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye; former Ogun State governor Ibikunle Amosun; and the Chief Imam of Ibadan.
Brief Profile Of Oba Rashidi Ladoja
Ladoja was born on 25 September 1944 in Gambari village near Ibadan.
He attended Ibadan Boys High School (1958–1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964–1965). He studied at the University of Liège, Belgium (1966–1972) where he earned a degree in chemical engineering.
He obtained a job with Total Nigeria, an oil company, where he worked for 13 years in various positions before entering private business in 1985. His business interests include shipping, manufacturing, banking, agriculture and transportation. By 2000, Ladoja had become a director of Standard Trust Bank Limited.
Oba Ladoja began his journey to the throne over 32 years ago, following the traditional Olubadan succession line, which is rotational and seniority-based.
He held various titles, including Jagun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and Otun Olubadan, before becoming Olubadan in 2025.
It would be recalled that Rashidi Ladoja served as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party.
His tenure was marked by both political achievements and controversies, including an impeachment (later overturned by the courts).
