Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State in South-West Nigeria, has witnessed a rare moment in history. Chiefs in flowing agbadas, royal drummers, political heavyweights and thousands of residents gathered as Senator Rashidi Ladoja was crowned the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Oba Ladoja’s journey from the turbulence of politics to Ibadan’s highest throne is as dramatic as it is historic.
A successful businessman turned politician, Ladoja was elected senator in 1992 and later became governor of Oyo State in 2003 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). His rise was powered by the late Ibadan political strongman, Chief Lamidi Adedibu.
But their alliance soon soured. By January 2006, after months of fierce battles for control, lawmakers loyal to Adedibu – with the backing of then-President Olusegun Obasanjo – impeached Ladoja in a move that shook Oyo politics. His deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala, was sworn in as governor.
Ladoja refused to accept defeat. Eleven months later, the Supreme Court declared his impeachment illegal, and he triumphantly returned to office. The rift, however, cost him re-election in 2007, when Alao-Akala, backed by Adedibu, won the governorship.
Shifting focus from politics, Ladoja turned to Ibadan’s revered traditional hierarchy, where succession is strictly by seniority. As Otun Olubadan, he steadily advanced through the ranks.
On Friday, September 26, 2025, a day after his 81st birthday, destiny came full circle. Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, succeeding Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7.
Streets were lined with cheering crowds, while the palace grounds overflowed with well-wishers, including President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, politicians and traditional rulers from across Nigeria.
From senator to governor, from impeachment to restoration – and now king – Ladoja’s story is a rare tale of power, survival, and tradition.
