Just shy of a year after his grand coronation, the late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, plunging the ancient city into mourning. His ascension to one of Yorubaland’s most esteemed traditional titles on July 12, 2024, at the historic Mapo Hall, was a momentous occasion.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State had formally presented Oba Olakulehin with the staff of office in a ceremony graced by Nigeria’s most influential personalities, including President Bola Tinubu, governors, ministers, revered traditional rulers, industry titans, and academics.
Oba Olakulehin became only the second Olubadan to reside in a purpose-built palace. The ultra-modern, magnificent palace on Oke-Aremo, inaugurated by Governor Seyi Makinde on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, was designated as the new official residence for all future Olubadans, beginning with Oba Olakulehin. Traditionally, the personal residence of the reigning Olubadan served as the palace upon their ascension.
The Succession System: A Historical Overview
To ascend the revered Olubadan throne, one must be a member of either the Balogun (warrior) or Otun (civil) chieftaincy lines.
The Balogun line comprises:
- Ekarun Balogun (sixth in command)
- Ekerin Balogun (fifth in command)
- Ashipa Balogun (fourth in command)
- Osi Balogun (third in command)
- Otun Balogun (next in rank to Balogun)
- Balogun (highest member of the line)
The Otun (civil) line consists of:
- Ekarun Olubadan
- Ekerin Olubadan
- Ashipa Olubadan
- Osi Olubadan
- Otun Olubadan (highest-ranking member in the line)
The late Oba Olakulehin hailed from the Balogun line, enduring a remarkable 38-year wait for the throne after becoming Jagun Balogun. With his passing, the succession now switches to the Otun line.
Rasheed Ladoja: The Next Olubadan?
The next individual in line to become the Olubadan is former Oyo State governor, Rasheed Ladoja, who currently holds the highest-ranking position in the Otun line. PUNCH Online will provide further insights into the life and background of the emerging Olubadan.
Here are some key facts about Rasheed Ladoja:
- Born on September 24, 1944, in the Gambari area of Ibadan.
- His educational journey includes Ibadan Boys High School (1958–1963) and Olivet Baptist High School (1964–1965). He then pursued higher education at the University of Liège, Belgium, from 1966 to 1972, where he earned a degree in chemical engineering.
- Ladoja served as the Governor of Oyo State between 2003 and 2007.
