The Olubadan-in-Council has selected the Controvicial former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, as the next and 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, on Monday, August 4. 2025.

The announcement was made after formal nominations was made at a meeting in the Olubadan palace at Oke-Aremo in Ibadan.

Ladoja, a Lagos-based businessman, ran for the gubernatorial election of Oyo State in 2003 and won, but fell out with his political mentors who conspired with the then-President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo, to remove him from office and install his late deputy. Otunba Christopher Alao Akala.

He was later returned after the court overturned the controversial impeachment, but couldn't serve a second term.

He, however, entered into another controversial altercation with the next governor of Oyo state, Governor Ajimobi over the installation of more kings for Ibadan land.

Ladoja was vehemently against the conversion of the Ibadan high chiefs to kings, and he had to go to court.

The controversy could not be resolved even with the coming in of the next governor, Seyi Makinde, until it was obvious that Ladoja had become the next in line for the Olubadan throne. And his chance of nomination was under threat.

No doubt, the most powerful Olubadan in terms of influence, wealth, age, and political power. Always insisting on a principled lifestyle.

He, however, condescended to be crowned as a small royalty before his impending coronation despite his avowed resentment of the new tradition.