By Peter Omopo | August 1, 2025
IBADAN, OYO STATE — The Olubadan-in-Council will meet on Monday, August 4, to begin formal deliberations on the enthronement of former Oyo State Governor, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The crucial meeting is slated for 11:00 a.m. at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area of the state.
This was confirmed in a notice issued Thursday by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola. According to the statement, the meeting follows the completion of the 21-day mourning period for the late 43rd Olubadan, Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who passed away on July 7, 2025.
“All members of the Olubadan-in-Council are expected to attend this significant meeting,” the notice read, marking a pivotal step toward the formal ascension of Ladoja to the revered throne.
The Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, who had been outside Oyo State at the time of Oba Balogun’s transition, is expected to return to Ibadan this weekend in preparation for the council’s proceedings. Sources close to the former governor confirmed that he has been receiving visitors and sympathisers at his Lagos residence since the announcement of Oba Balogun’s passing.
Monday’s meeting is anticipated to ratify the traditional and procedural requirements that will usher in a new era for Ibadanland under the leadership of Oba Ladoja, a respected statesman, businessman, and cultural icon.
The succession to the Olubadan throne follows a well-established traditional hierarchy, and Ladoja, who currently holds the prestigious title of Otun Olubadan (civil line), is next in line according to Ibadan’s age-long succession system.
With this development, the ancient city of Ibadan inches closer to witnessing the coronation of a new monarch—one who has played pivotal roles both in governance and in the preservation of Yoruba heritage.
