When High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, the atmosphere in the ancient city was filled with pride and nostalgia. It was more than a royal transition; it was the coronation of a man whose life story mirrors the spirit of Ibadan itself resilient, patient, and deeply rooted in tradition. For the people of Ibadan, this was not just the rise of a new monarch but the celebration of a journey defined by wisdom, endurance, and service.
Born on September 25, 1944, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja ascended the throne at the age of 81, carrying with him decades of political experience, business success, and community engagement. His life reflects a balance between modern achievement and traditional honour, making him a fitting custodian of one of Nigeria’s oldest and most respected thrones. From the corridors of political power to the quiet rituals of Ibadan’s royal heritage, Oba Ladoja has always stood for leadership that values both people and principle.
A highly educated man, Ladoja studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège in Belgium from 1966 to 1972. His years abroad exposed him to modern governance, discipline, and civic responsibility qualities that shaped his later approach to politics and leadership. He returned to Nigeria fluent in several languages, including French, and with a broadened worldview that made him a forward-thinking public servant. Before entering politics, Oba Ladoja made a name for himself in the private sector. He worked with Total Nigeria, where his professionalism and intellect earned him respect, before venturing into business. His enterprises spanned oil, gas, and shipping industries where he demonstrated strategy, foresight, and an ability to manage people and resources effectively. Those who worked with him during this period describe him as a man of modest lifestyle but exceptional focus, driven not by personal gain but by a genuine desire to create value and lead responsibly.
In 2003, Rashidi Ladoja was elected Governor of Oyo State under the Peoples Democratic Party. His administration brought visible development, particularly in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Yet his time in office was not without turbulence. Political rivalries culminated in his impeachment in 2006, a move later reversed by the courts, reinstating him as governor. Throughout that ordeal, Ladoja maintained his composure and dignity, earning admiration for his resilience and commitment to justice. Even after leaving public office, he remained an influential figure in Nigerian politics. His opinions on governance and civic responsibility are widely respected, often described as the voice of reason during heated political moments. For many, his calm, measured leadership style sets him apart from the theatrics that often define Nigerian politics. He represents an older, steadier breed of politician one rooted in service rather than self-interest.
Ladoja’s path to the Olubadan throne was one of patience and perseverance. The Ibadan chieftaincy system is unique in Yorubaland for its meritocratic and transparent progression. Every titleholder climbs the ladder one rank at a time, with no shortcuts or favouritism. The system ensures that by the time one becomes Olubadan, they have spent decades serving the community and understanding the customs that govern it. Oba Ladoja began his journey as Jagun Olubadan, then rose through the ranks as Osi Olubadan and Otun Olubadan before attaining the highest position in 2025. His rise was steady and disciplined, reflecting both his humility and dedication to Ibadan’s traditional institution. This gradual process not only prepared him for the throne but also strengthened his bond with the people he would one day lead.
To understand the weight of Oba Ladoja’s new role is to understand the historical depth of the Ibadan monarchy. The Olubadan stool dates back to the 19th century when Ibadan evolved from a war camp into one of the most powerful Yoruba city-states. Its leadership structure was designed to reflect equality and service rather than hereditary privilege. Unlike other Yoruba kingdoms, Ibadan’s throne is not inherited; it is earned through years of commitment to the city’s governance and traditions. The Olubadan sits atop two chieftaincy lines the civil line (Otun) and the military line (Balogun). Both lines progress alternately to the throne, ensuring a balance of leadership experience and community representation. This system, admired for its orderliness, has produced respected monarchs such as Oba Isaac Akinyele, Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe, Oba Emmanuel Adeyemo Operinde, and Oba Saliu Adetunji, among others. Each ruler has left a unique imprint on the city’s evolution.
Over the centuries, the institution has adapted without losing its soul. Despite modern pressures and political interference, the Olubadan remains a symbol of unity and moral authority. It is not only a traditional position but also a custodian of Ibadan’s identity, customs, and resilience. Perhaps one of Oba Ladoja’s most defining moments before his coronation came in 2017 during a controversial chieftaincy reform led by then-Governor Abiola Ajimobi. The reform sought to elevate several Ibadan high chiefs to the rank of “kings,” a move that many believed undermined the city’s long-standing hierarchical order. Ladoja opposed the reform, arguing that it would distort the delicate balance of the Ibadan traditional system. He challenged the decision in court and won, reaffirming his reputation as a principled leader and protector of heritage.
That victory cemented his place not only as a political leader but as a guardian of Ibadan’s legacy. His insistence on preserving the integrity of the traditional structure showed his deep respect for culture and continuity. It also demonstrated the unique blend of modern intellect and cultural wisdom that he embodies a man who understands both law and lineage. Today, as the 44th Olubadan, Oba Ladoja reigns with humility and inclusivity. He is often described as a monarch who listens more than he speaks, who values dialogue, and who prefers quiet influence to public display. His leadership style reflects the ethos of Ibadan — pragmatic, strong, and people-centred.
His coronation, following the passing of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin in this year was attended by traditional rulers, political figures, and citizens from all walks of life. It was both a celebration of history and a promise of stability for the future. The people see in him a bridge between the old and the new, a man capable of guiding Ibadan through the complexities of modern governance while upholding the dignity of its past. Under his reign, expectations are high for renewed unity and development in Ibadanland. There is hope that his experience in governance and business will bring practical benefits to the community from youth empowerment to cultural preservation. His ability to merge tradition with progress makes him a monarch uniquely suited for this era.
The story of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja is, in many ways, the story of Ibadan itself. Both have faced trials, adapted to change, and remained rooted in their values. Ibadan’s history is filled with tales of warriors, scholars, and statesmen people who built greatness through courage and cooperation. Ladoja’s life continues that legacy, reminding his people that true power lies in patience, integrity, and service. His reign marks not just a continuation of Ibadan’s royal lineage but also a reawakening of its civic and cultural pride. As a monarch shaped by education, experience, and empathy, Oba Ladoja stands as a symbol of what leadership should be — principled, people-oriented, and deeply grounded in the wisdom of history. Through him, the throne of Ibadan continues to represent not only tradition but timeless relevance, a heritage that grows stronger with every generation that honours it.
