Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja: Decades of Purpose, Poised for the Throne
BY: Landnest Homes And Properties
BY: Landnest Homes And Properties
Monday, September 29, 2025
September 29, 2025
Introduction: A Crown Long Foreseen
Ibadan’s Olubadan stool stands among the most venerated traditional thrones in Yorubaland. It does not rush to fill its vacancy. Every monarch is chosen through elaborate tradition, patience, and a life lived in service. Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, now proclaimed the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, has traced his path through that labyrinth for decades.
For many, Ladoja’s ascension is not sudden, it is a culmination. It is the harvest of a lifetime of leadership.
Early Life and Formative Years
Ladoja was born in 1944 in Gambari, Ibadan, an area steeped in history and tradition. He attended Olivet Baptist High School, among others, and pursued higher education abroad in Belgium at the University of Liège, where he studied chemical engineering.
His academic discipline and exposure shaped a worldview rooted in innovation, responsibility, and service. He returned to Nigeria equipped not just with technical knowledge, but with a vision for leadership.
Political Leadership: Public Service as Foundation
Long before traditional chieftaincy called him, Ladoja served the public in significant civic and political roles:
He was Senator for Oyo South during the Third Republic, serving from 1992 to 1993.
Later, he became Governor of Oyo State, first elected in 2003, serving until 2007.
His governorship was not without controversy, but it underscored his reputation for political courage, administrative resolve, and commitment to his people. Between impeachments and reinstatement, Ladoja earned his place as a resilient leader. These civic accomplishments built respect and visibility across Ibadan and beyond.
Introduction: A Crown Long Foreseen
Ibadan’s Olubadan stool stands among the most venerated traditional thrones in Yorubaland. It does not rush to fill its vacancy. Every monarch is chosen through elaborate tradition, patience, and a life lived in service. Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, now proclaimed the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, has traced his path through that labyrinth for decades.
For many, Ladoja’s ascension is not sudden, it is a culmination. It is the harvest of a lifetime of leadership.
Early Life and Formative Years
Ladoja was born in 1944 in Gambari, Ibadan, an area steeped in history and tradition. He attended Olivet Baptist High School, among others, and pursued higher education abroad in Belgium at the University of Liège, where he studied chemical engineering.
His academic discipline and exposure shaped a worldview rooted in innovation, responsibility, and service. He returned to Nigeria equipped not just with technical knowledge, but with a vision for leadership.
Political Leadership: Public Service as Foundation
Long before traditional chieftaincy called him, Ladoja served the public in significant civic and political roles:
He was Senator for Oyo South during the Third Republic, serving from 1992 to 1993.
Later, he became Governor of Oyo State, first elected in 2003, serving until 2007.
His governorship was not without controversy, but it underscored his reputation for political courage, administrative resolve, and commitment to his people. Between impeachments and reinstatement, Ladoja earned his place as a resilient leader. These civic accomplishments built respect and visibility across Ibadan and beyond.
Chieftaincy Lineage: Climbing the Olubadan Ladder
Parallel to his political journey, Ladoja held traditional chieftaincy titles, moving through the ranks that lead to the throne:
As a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Ladoja occupied one of the senior chieftaincy positions (Otun Olubadan)
The Olubadan stool succession follows a strict ladder system. Candidates climb through lines (civil / Balogun or military) and ranks over many years. In 2025, following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-Council nominated Ladoja as the next monarch.
Even before formal nomination, his name was widely discussed as a natural fit because his chieftaincy service was extensive and consistent. Many saw that he had long been working his way, not just through politics, but through tradition.
The Coronation: Culmination of a Lifelong Journey
On 26 September 2025, following approval by Governor Seyi Makinde, Ladoja was officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Key elements that reflect his long preparation:
His nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council was unanimous, demonstrating consensus born of respect for his prior leadership
The coronation ceremony at Mapo Hall was attended by traditional rulers, national leaders, governors, and Ibadan citizens, everyone recognizing a consummation, not a surprise.
At 81, Oba Ladoja takes the throne after a journey spanning many decades. His life’s work made this moment inevitable.
Chieftaincy Lineage: Climbing the Olubadan Ladder
Parallel to his political journey, Ladoja held traditional chieftaincy titles, moving through the ranks that lead to the throne:
As a member of the Olubadan-in-Council, Ladoja occupied one of the senior chieftaincy positions (Otun Olubadan)
The Olubadan stool succession follows a strict ladder system. Candidates climb through lines (civil / Balogun or military) and ranks over many years. In 2025, following the passing of the 43rd Olubadan, the Olubadan-in-Council nominated Ladoja as the next monarch.
Even before formal nomination, his name was widely discussed as a natural fit because his chieftaincy service was extensive and consistent. Many saw that he had long been working his way, not just through politics, but through tradition.
The Coronation: Culmination of a Lifelong Journey
On 26 September 2025, following approval by Governor Seyi Makinde, Ladoja was officially crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Key elements that reflect his long preparation:
His nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council was unanimous, demonstrating consensus born of respect for his prior leadership
The coronation ceremony at Mapo Hall was attended by traditional rulers, national leaders, governors, and Ibadan citizens, everyone recognizing a consummation, not a surprise.
At 81, Oba Ladoja takes the throne after a journey spanning many decades. His life’s work made this moment inevitable.
What This Monarchy Means for Ibadanland
As monarch, Oba Ladoja assumes a role that blends tradition with modern expectations. His predecessors were both revered and tested; Ibadan people expect the new Olubadan to bring wisdom, stability, and a renewed sense of identity.
He inherits a tradition of orderly succession. The selection followed customary rules without a major contest.
His reign begins in a time when traditional leadership is under scrutiny in governance, security, documentation, community trust. The expectation is that Oba Ladoja will offer stability.
As the first Olubadan to be both former governor and senator ascending the stool, his ascension bridges modern political leadership and ancient traditional authority.
What This Monarchy Means for Ibadanland
As monarch, Oba Ladoja assumes a role that blends tradition with modern expectations. His predecessors were both revered and tested; Ibadan people expect the new Olubadan to bring wisdom, stability, and a renewed sense of identity.
He inherits a tradition of orderly succession. The selection followed customary rules without a major contest.
His reign begins in a time when traditional leadership is under scrutiny in governance, security, documentation, community trust. The expectation is that Oba Ladoja will offer stability.
As the first Olubadan to be both former governor and senator ascending the stool, his ascension bridges modern political leadership and ancient traditional authority.
Conclusion: A Reign Rooted in Destiny and Duty
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan is a new beginning and the fulfillment of a lifetime. It is a moment where politics, tradition, public service, and cultural heritage converge.
He ascends not simply because today demands a monarch, but because for years Ladoja has demonstrated the qualities expected of one: patience, leadership, loyalty, and service.
Ibadan is watching, hoping, and believing that this chapter will shine. For Oba Ladoja, the crown is a recognition and responsibility.
Conclusion: A Reign Rooted in Destiny and Duty
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s coronation as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan is a new beginning and the fulfillment of a lifetime. It is a moment where politics, tradition, public service, and cultural heritage converge.
He ascends not simply because today demands a monarch, but because for years Ladoja has demonstrated the qualities expected of one: patience, leadership, loyalty, and service.
Ibadan is watching, hoping, and believing that this chapter will shine. For Oba Ladoja, the crown is a recognition and responsibility.
At Landnest, we believe in stories like this one. Stories where dedication, tradition, and vision meet in leaders who work across decades to serve their communities.
The way we serve you by bringing premium services in real estate to you. To enjoy our services and explore our available options, send “OLUBADAN” here or any of our official social media platforms.
At Landnest, we believe in stories like this one. Stories where dedication, tradition, and vision meet in leaders who work across decades to serve their communities.
The way we serve you by bringing premium services in real estate to you. To enjoy our services and explore our available options, send “OLUBADAN” here or any of our official social media platforms.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
Registered under EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.
LET’S GET IN TOUCH
The Ultimate Real Estate Investment Provider
Discover the unthinkable return of investment on real estate. We are committed to making this journey a seamless experience for you.
Visit Us at
Head Office:
No 2, Dele Adetoro Street, Bodija Ibadan.
Branch Office:
Suite 101 Block C, Akord Shopping Mall, Along Lekki_Epe, Expressway Bogije, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State.
EFCC via its Special Control Unit Money Laundering (SCUML)
We are also accredited by the Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria (REDAN)
Registered with Corporate Affairs Commission, Nigeria (RC:7080017)
© LandNest Homes & Properties. 2024.