By Peter Omopo
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, will on Friday elevate Governor Seyi Makinde’s elder brother, Olumuyiwa Makinde, alongside eight other chiefs in the Otun Olubadan line.
Makinde, a prominent Ibadan-based lawyer, will be promoted from Aare Onibon to Gbonka Olubadan, while renowned businessman and engineer Dotun Sanusi will advance from Ajia to Bada Olubadan.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Olubadan’s media aide, Adeola Oloko, who disclosed that the ceremony will take place at 11:00 a.m. at the Oke-Aremo Palace in Ibadan North Local Government Area. Members of the Olubadan-in-Council are expected to attend.
This marks Oba Ladoja’s second major elevation exercise since ascending the throne. His first official outing was on November 7, when he promoted five chiefs within the traditional hierarchy.
Those elevated during the earlier ceremony included Oba Eddy Oyewole-Foko, who moved from Osi Olubadan to Otun Olubadan; Oba Kola Daisi, who rose from Asipa to Osi Olubadan; and Oba Hamidu Ajibade, who advanced from Ekerin to Asipa Olubadan. Others were Oba Muritala Akande (Ekarun to Ekerin Olubadan) and Chief Kola Babalola (Abese to Ekarun Olubadan).
Oba Ladoja became the 44th Olubadan following the passing of his predecessor, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90.
In the new promotion list, House of Representatives member Akin Alabi is set to move from Jagun to Ajia Olubadan. However, the statement noted that elevations from Mogaji to Jagun, considered one of the most competitive titles, have been suspended until further notice.
Other chiefs expected to be elevated include:
- Chief Dauda Gbadamosi – from Aare Ago to Ayingun Olubadan
- Chief William Akande – from Lagunna to Aare Ago Olubadan
- Chief Oluyinka Akande – from Oota to Lagunna Olubadan
- Chief Olufemi Ogunwale – from Aare-egbe Omo to Oota Olubadan
- Chief Wasiu Aderoju Alaadorin – from Gbonka to Aare-egbe Omo Olubadan
- Chief Abiola Anlamole – from Bada to Aare Onibon Olubadan
The elevation ceremony is expected to attract dignitaries, community leaders, and traditional title holders from across Ibadanland.
