Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is set to make history as the first sitting governor to install three Olubadans of Ibadanland during his time in office.
The latest development follows the death of the 43rd Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who passed away on Monday at the age of 90, barely a year after his coronation.
Makinde crowned Oba Olakulehin on July 12, 2024, after the death of Oba Lekan Balogun, whom he also installed on March 11, 2022.
Former governor of Oyo State, Chief Rasheed Ladoja, is now expected to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, following the rotational chieftaincy structure that guides succession to the throne.
The Ibadan succession system alternates between the Balogun (warrior) line and the Otun (civil) line. The late Oba Olakulehin was from the Balogun line, while Ladoja is the most senior chief from the Otun line.
Once installed, Ladoja, 79, will become the 44th Olubadan, marking the third Olubadan coronation under Governor Makinde’s administration.
From the return to democracy in 1999, only a few governors have performed the installation of the Olubadan, with Makinde now becoming the first to crown three:
Oba Yunusa Ogundipe Arapasowu I (1999 – 2007) was installed by Governor Lam Adesina.
Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I (2007 – 2016) was crowned by Governor Rashidi Ladoja.
Oba Saliu Adetunji (2016 – 2022) was installed by the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi.
Oba Lekan Balogun (2022 – 2024) was crowned by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Oba Owolabi Olakulehin (2024 – 2025) was also installed by Governor Makinde.
With the expected emergence of Ladoja, Makinde will set a new record by performing three coronations within his time in office.
Ladoja, who governed Oyo State between 2003 and 2007, is a respected figure in both politics and Ibadan’s traditional institution. He is expected to be confirmed by the Olubadan-in-Council before formal coronation plans commence.
