The Olubadan-In-Council has nominated former Oyo State governor and Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland Rashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The nomination was made on Monday during a meeting at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, located in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The meeting was presided over by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Tajudeen Ajibola.
Former governor Ladoja was not present at the meeting.
Speaking to journalists, Ajibola stated, “We (members of the Olubadan-In-Council) have all signed and nominated Oba Rashidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland. We will forward the resolutions of our meeting to our Governor, Seyi Makinde. He will now pick a date to present a staff of office to the new Olubadan.”
The formal installation will take place after the burial of the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died at the age of 90.
His burial is scheduled for Friday, with a church service and interment to be held at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The council’s nomination now awaits formal approval by Governor Seyi Makinde. Once confirmed, Ladoja will be presented publicly as the new monarch.
Ajibola described the nomination as a decision based on Ladoja’s previous leadership role and his ties to the community.
He said, “The council is confident that Ladoja will bring experience to the throne. Under his leadership, we anticipate unity and progress.”
Rashidi Ladoja is a senior chief in the Olubadan traditional succession line, holding the title of Otun Olubadan before his nomination.
His elevation follows the traditional rotational system between the two ruling lines in Ibadan, Otun and Balogun.
A date for the presentation of the staff of office and official installation ceremony is expected to be announced after the burial of the late monarch.
