Segun Atanda/
Olubadan-designate, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, has declared that Ibadan holds the political and legislative strength to secure permanent chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs, challenging the Alaafin’s insistence on keeping the position.
In an online video seen by Newsmakerslive.org, which appears to have been recorded before he became Olubadan-designate, Ladoja told a gathering of Ibadan traditional chiefs that with Ibadan’s majority in the Oyo State House of Assembly, the city has the power to dictate the outcome of such matters.
“There are 32 members in the House of Assembly, and Ibadan has 16 of them. If any issue comes up for a vote, the Speaker will not vote, so we already have the majority. Our lawmakers will vote in line with our position,” Ladoja said.
He dismissed the Alaafin’s opposition to a rotational arrangement for chairmanship of the Obas’ council, saying: “The Alaafin insists he wants to remain permanent chairman. But tell him it is Ibadan that should be making such a claim, because we have the numbers to take over that position if we choose.”
According to him, unlike in the past when such arrangements were settled informally, Ibadan leaders are now prepared to legislate on the matter.
“In the past, someone would just declare it by word of mouth. This time, we will take a bill to the House of Assembly,” he stated.
Ladoja further invoked Ibadan’s historical dominance in regional politics, noting that even in the days of Obafemi Awolowo, Ibadan consistently produced governors and wielded decisive influence over the old Western Region.
Oba Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State, became Olubadan-designate following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland, who died on July 7, 2025, at age 90.
Under Ibadan’s rotational succession system—which alternates between the military (Balogun) and civil (Egbe Agba) lines—Ladoja, as Otun Olubadan and most senior chief in the civil line, was next in line for the throne.
Governor Seyi Makinde approved his appointment as the 44th Olubadan-designate on August 21, 2025, and fixed his coronation for September 26, 2025, at Mapo Hall.
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