Ibadan is set to welcome High Chief Rashidi Ladoja as its 44th Olubadan
Ibadan Awaits History as Olubadan-in-Council Set to Nominate Ladoja on Monday
Barring any last-minute changes, the Olubadan-in-Council will on Monday convene a crucial meeting to deliberate on the nomination of a new Olubadan of Ibadanland — with strong indications pointing to the former Oyo State governor, High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, as the next in line.
Sources within the Council revealed that the meeting, scheduled to hold at the Olubadan Palace in Oke Aremo, will focus solely on nominating a successor to the late Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, who passed away on July 7 after one year on the throne.
Following the traditional line of succession, High Chief Ladoja, Otun Olubadan and next in line, is expected to be nominated and announced as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. His nomination, once confirmed at the meeting, will be forwarded to the state government through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters for final approval by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Oba Abiodun Ajibola, a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, confirmed the agenda of the meeting, according to a report by The Nation newspaper.
“The meeting is that of the members of Olubadan-in-Council. It will take place at Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo.
We called the meeting to nominate a new Olubadan to occupy the vacant stool,” he said.
He added that while Oba Ladoja is expected to attend as a member of the Council, his absence would not invalidate the Council’s deliberations.
“It does not matter if the next-in-line is not present, it won’t stop us from nominating the new Olubadan.
It is for us to nominate a new Olubadan and that will be the main focus of the meeting. We are meeting to deliberate and take a decision on the vacant stool,” he emphasized.
Notably, this will be the first such meeting to take place at the newly completed Olubadan Palace at Oke Aremo, a shift from previous venues like the historic Mapo Hall or Oja’ba Palace.
The gathering comes barely a week after the conclusion of the 21-day mourning period for the late Oba Olakulehin. His final burial is scheduled for August 8 at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan.
Should the Council proceed with the expected nomination, Ibadan would be set to welcome High Chief Rashidi Ladoja as its 44th Olubadan — further reinforcing the city’s unique and time-honoured succession system. Read More
