*Deceased Immediate Predecessor For Burial This Week
*Gov Makinde To Decide Ladoja’s Coronation Date
By Stephen Gbadamosi, Ibadan
Former governor of Oyo State, Oba (Senator) Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, was today, August 4, nominated as the next Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He will be the 44th monarch of the ancient city, as contained in a unanimous decision by the kingmakers, also known as the Olubadan-In-Council.
It will be recalled that the demise of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, marked the beginning of the process to appoint his successor.
With the formal nomination by the Olubadan-In-Council, Oba Ladoja is now pronounced as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
According to Ibadan tradition, the state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on an agreed date, will present the certificate and staff of office during a coronation ceremony.
The nomination was made during a meeting held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo, in the Ibadan North Local Government Area (LGA) of Oyo State.
Although the nominee, Oba Ladoja, was not present at the gathering, all members of the council signed the official nomination.
Presiding over the meeting, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, confirmed the council’s unanimous decision.
“We have all signed and nominated Oba Rasidi Ladoja as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Oba Ajibola said.
He added that while preparations are ongoing, the installation would not take place this week due to burial arrangements for the late Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025.
“The late Olubadan Olakulehin will be buried this week. So, this week is not feasible.
“It is up to Governor Seyi Makinde to decide whether the coronation will take place in one week, two weeks, or three,” he explained.
Oba Ladoja, a business mogul, is next in line under the traditional rotational system of succession in Ibadanland.
