10 things to know about Rashidi Ladoja, the ex-Oyo governor set to become Olubadan of Ibadan

Here are 10 key things you should know about Rashidi Ladoja, the former Oyo State governor now poised to ascend the revered throne of the Olubadan of Ibadan, following the passing of Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin on Monday.

To become the Olubadan of Ibadan, you must rise through one of the city’s two principal chieftaincy lines — the Balogun (warrior) line and the Otun (civil) line.

Read also: Ladoja, former governor set to become 44th Olubadan following Olakulehin’s death

In the Balogun line, the hierarchy begins with the Ekarun Balogun (sixth in rank), then moves up through the Ekerin Balogun (fifth), Ashipa Balogun (fourth), Osi Balogun (third), Otun Balogun (second), and finally the Balogun himself, who sits at the top.

The Otun line has a similar structure, starting with the Ekarun Olubadan, then the Ekerin Olubadan, Ashipa Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and culminating with the Otun Olubadan as the most senior chief in that line.

With the passing of the late Olubadan, the throne now shifts to the Otun line — and  Ladoja currently holds the highest position in that line, making him next in line for the crown.

1. Roots in Ibadan

Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was born on September 24 1944 in the Gambari area of Ibadan, the city he is now set to lead traditionally.

2. Early education

He attended Ibadan Boys’ High School from 1958 to 1963, and Olivet Baptist High School from 1964 to 1965.

Read also: Makinde mourns Olubadan, says govt will stand by his family to give befitting burial

3. A chemical engineer abroad

Ladoja furthered his education at the University of Liège, Belgium, earning a degree in chemical engineering between 1966 and 1972.

4. A senator during the Third Republic

In 1993, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate under the United Nigeria Congress Party during Nigeria’s short-lived Third Republic.

5. Banking experience

By 2000, Ladoja had climbed the corporate ladder to become a director at Standard Trust Bank Limited.

6. His rise and fall as governor

Elected on the PDP platform, Ladoja became Oyo State governor in April 2003, taking office on  May 29. He came into power with the backing of the late strongman Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu but soon fell out with him over political appointments.

Read also: Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Olakulehin dies at 90

7. A dramatic impeachment and comeback

Ladoja was impeached on January 12 2006 but fought his removal in court. The Supreme Court eventually upheld his appeal, and he returned to office on December 12 2006.

8. Brush with the law

In August 2008, he was briefly remanded in prison by the Federal High Court in Lagos over alleged financial misconduct but was granted bail of ₦100 million with two sureties.

9. Never gave up on politics 

After his PDP days, Ladoja ran for governor under the Accord Party in 2011 and 2015 but lost both times. He later joined ADC and then ZLP in 2018 before stepping back to focus on his chieftaincy duties.

10. From politics to the throne

Ladoja, now the highest-ranking chief in the Otun line, is next in line to become Olubadan. Interestingly, on August 12 2024, the late Olakulehin formally presented him with the ceremonial beaded crown — a crown he once rejected during ex-governor Abiola Ajimobi’s administration.