By Adeyinka Adeniran
Despite his absence, members of the Olubadan-in-Council on Monday nominate the next-in-line, Oba Rasidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
The nomination of Ladoja followed an earlier declaration of the stool vacant by the Council members during a meeting which held at the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan.
He was nominated by the Balogun Olubadan, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola and seconded by Osi Olubadan, Oba Eddy Oyewole at a meeting held at the Oke-Aremo palace of Olubadan.
Ladoja was absent at the meeting. The former governor had been outside of the state before the demise of the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, his predecessor.
Corenews reports that, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Ajibola had earlier told The Nation last week that the absence of the former governor will not disturb the Council from going ahead with its plans and proceedings to declare the stool vacant and subsequently deliberate on a nomination for the next occupier.
A source who spoke on the condition of anonymity said effort had been made earlier to find out if the former governor was interested in occupying the stool, for formality sake, prior to the meeting.
It was gathered that Oba Ladoja had expressed interest in the stool, aside the fact that he is the next-in-line.
But, the report could not be confirmed from any member of the Council.
Addressing journalists shortly after the meeting, Oba Ajibola said members of the Olubadan-in-council has signed Ladoja’s nomination, saying that his name will be forwarded to governor Seyi Makinde who will ratified it and choose a date for presentation of coronation and Staff of Office and Certificate of office to Ladoja.
Ladoja who will clock 81 years old on September 25th, is from the civil line, specifically the Otun Olubadan line, which is one of the two prominent chieftaincy lines in Ibadan’s traditional leadership system.
The Olubadan throne alternates between two lines: Civil Line (Baale/Otun) and Military Line (Balogun)
The unique rotational system has been in place for many decades, ensuring a predictable and stable transfer of power.
The Olubadan-designate is expected back in the state, any moment from today, to take part activities lined up for the burial of Oba Olakulehin which began, on Monday with sporting activities.
The final burial is slated for Friday, August 8th at the Cathedral of Saint Peters, Aremo, Ibadan.
Corenews reports that, it is the first time nomination meeting is taking place at the new Palace as previous ones had held either at the Oja’ba Palace or the Mapo hall.
Corenews reports that, the Olubadan-in-Council meeting held, a week after the completion of the 21 days mourning period in honor of the late Oba Olakulehin who was the 43rd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
He passed away on July 7, 2025, after spending a year on the throne. The monarch succeeded Oba Dr. Mohood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, who was the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland.
As at the time of this report, it could not be confirmed if the nomination letter has been delivered to the Governor through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.
