Olubadan-Designate Oba Rashidi Ladoja Returns To Ibadan Amid Warm Welcome.
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Olubadan-designate and former Governor of Oyo State, arrived in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday, 18 August 2025, marking his return after weeks away from the city. The 44th Olubadan-designate was warmly received by family, friends, and well-wishers at the Ibadan-Lagos tollgate before proceeding to his family compound in Isale-Osi, Ibadan South East Local Government Area. The homecoming signals the start of preparations for his coronation as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland, following his unanimous nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council on 4 August 2025.
Upon arrival at approximately 1:20 pm, Oba Ladoja was greeted with special interfaith prayers in both Islamic and Christian traditions at his family home. He later moved to his private residence on Ondo Street, Bodija, in Ibadan North Local Government Area, where hundreds of residents gathered to celebrate his return. Addressing the crowd, Ladoja described his over three-decade journey to the throne as “bumpy and filled with trials,” reflecting on his rise through the Ibadan chieftaincy hierarchy since becoming Jagun Balogun in 1993. He noted that many contemporaries, including notable figures like MKO Abiola and Adebayo Alao-Akala, had passed away during his 31-year ascent to the Olubadan stool.
The Olubadan-in-Council, which also serves as Ibadan’s kingmakers, nominated Ladoja following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, on 7 July 2025, after a 21-day mourning period. Ladoja, who was abroad at the time of Olakulehin’s death, expressed shock at the news and paid tribute to his predecessor, describing him as a leader who upheld tradition with dignity. The council’s decision now awaits ratification by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who is expected to confirm the nomination and set a date for the presentation of the staff of office.
On Tuesday, 19 August 2025, Ladoja held a maiden meeting with the Olubadan-in-Council at his Bodija residence, attended by key kingmakers, including Otun Balogun Oba Kola Adegbola and Osi Balogun Oba Olubunmi Isioye-Dada. The meeting, which observed a minute’s silence for Oba Olakulehin, focused on preparations for the coronation and the responsibilities ahead. Ladoja pledged to run an inclusive administration and expressed gratitude for the council’s support, assuring them of a collaborative relationship. The kingmakers, in turn, congratulated him and vowed to support his leadership for the progress of Ibadanland.
Ladoja, a shipping magnate, industrialist, and former senator, served as Oyo State Governor from 2003 to 2007 under the Peoples Democratic Party, though his tenure was briefly interrupted by a controversial 11-month impeachment, later overturned by a court. He called for peaceful coexistence and urged Ibadan residents and Nigerians to support leaders at all levels to achieve meaningful development. “I seek your prayers for God’s wisdom to lead Ibadanland with fairness, peace, and progress,” he said, acknowledging the weight of his new role.
As traditional rites for the coronation commence, pending Governor Makinde’s approval, Ladoja’s return has sparked optimism among Ibadan indigenes. His reputation as a resilient and principled leader, coupled with his deep roots in Ibadan’s traditional system, positions him to steer the ancient city towards unity and growth.
