Ladoja: First Nigerian Civilian Governor to Become a King

Former Oyo State Governor, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is set to make history as the first Nigerian civilian governor to ascend a first-class traditional throne, following the death of the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.

Oba Olakulehin passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, at the age of 90—barely a year after his coronation in July 2024.

His death has paved the way for Ladoja, currently the most senior High Chief in the Egbe Agba (civil) line, to become the 44th Olubadan.

The Olubadan succession alternates between two ruling lines—Egbe Agba and Balogun (military). With the late Oba Olakulehin ascending from the Balogun line, the next Olubadan must come from the Egbe Agba line. Ladoja, having held the position of Otun Olubadan since August 2024, now stands next in line.

A respected statesman, Ladoja served as governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 and previously as a senator. His rise through the chieftaincy ranks has been gradual and grounded in Ibadan’s unique succession tradition.

In August 2024, he accepted the Otun Olubadan title after years of initial reservations, following a reconciliatory move among members of the Olubadan-in-Council.

The coronation ceremony, held at the Aafin Olubadan, was presided over by Oba Olakulehin himself and witnessed by top dignitaries, including then-acting governor Bayo Lawal, who presented Ladoja with the staff and instrument of office.

Speaking after receiving his beaded crown, Ladoja dismissed fears of instability in Ibadan’s traditional institution. He said: “We can do our things on our own in Ibadanland. Those thinking that Ibadan will burn are liars. Whenever there is an issue among us, you will see that things will change once we enter the room and come out, that’s all—because we know what is right.”

He also addressed the concerns that delayed his earlier acceptance of the crown: “The misunderstanding was the cause of what happened before because what we were asking before was that as a king, where is our domain? They have answered us that we were king in the Olubadan line… Otun, Osi, Asipa, and Ekeerin, including all of us in the Olubadan line, can become king.”

He concluded with a statement of unity: “Only those that God destined can become the Olubadan… Now that we have become the king, we have become the adviser and servant to Oba Olakulehin because he can send us to wherever he wants as our king. We only have one king in Ibadanland, Oba Olakulehin is our king.”

With the throne now vacant, Ibadanland prepares for a historic transition as Ladoja, a man who once governed with democratic authority, now prepares to wear the crown of tradition as the next Olubadan—cementing his legacy as Nigeria’s first former civilian governor to become a king.