The Olubadan-In-Council has unanimously nominated former Oyo State Governor, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
According to The PUNCH, the nomination was made during a council meeting held on Monday at the Olubadan Palace in Oke-Aremo, Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
Though the newly nominated monarch was not physically present at the meeting, all members of the Council reportedly endorsed his nomination.
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, confirmed the development. “We, the members of the Olubadan-In-Council, have all signed and nominated High Chief Rashidi Ladoja as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland,” he stated.
He added that the resolution of the meeting would be forwarded to the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, for formal approval and further action.
“The next step is for the Governor to fix a date to present the Staff of Office to the new Olubadan. This week is not likely because the burial of the late Olubadan will take place soon,” Oba Ajibola said. “He (Governor Makinde) may choose one week, two weeks, or even three weeks from now. That’s his decision.”
The nomination follows the demise of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, who passed away on July 7, 2025.
According to tradition, the Olubadan throne follows a unique succession system, rotating between the Balogun and Otun lines of chiefs, of which Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan, is next in line.