Former Oyo Governor Rashidi Ladoja nominated as next Olubadan

The Olubadan-in-Council has unanimously nominated Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.

Ladoja’s nomination was sealed on Monday during a meeting of the 11-member council held at the Oke-Aremo palace. The council comprises high-ranking chiefs who are in the line of succession to the Ibadan throne. Ladoja, who is Otun Olubadan, is next in line from the civil lineage.

His nomination follows the conclusion of the traditional 21-day mourning period for the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who died on July 7 after reigning for just over a year.

Tajudeen Ajibola, the Balogun Olubadan of the military line, confirmed the council’s unanimous decision.

“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,” Punch quoted Ajibola as saying.

While a formal date for the coronation has not been announced, the governor is expected to act on the nomination after the burial of the late monarch.

See Also

Burkina Faso releases detained Nigerian soldiers after high-level diplomatic talks

“The late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, will be buried this week. So, this week is not feasible. He (Makinde) may decide to pick three weeks, two weeks or one week,” Ajibola added.

With this nomination, Ladoja, also a former senator, is poised to ascend the prestigious throne of Ibadan, marking a historic moment in the city’s royal succession.