LADOJA, The Man Who Survives Them All
By Olusola Ajiboye
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja’s enthronement as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan on 25th September 2025, climaxed a long – tortuous struggle for the coveted crown of traditional rulership in Africa’s largest city South of the Sahara.
More than the fulfillment of a cherished goal, the ascension of Oba Ladoja reveals a man noted for tenacity and dogged determination to pursue what he considered his, by right. He has fought his battles with a stern face as such touched on the quest for leadership positions in public and private capacity, emerging victorious in the end.
Born 25th September 1944, Oba Rashidi Ladoja typifies the narrative of a survivor who braved odds contrived either by men or nature. A reflection on his life – journey brings this to the fore. On the day his impeachment as Oyo State Governor was announced, Ladoja betrayed no emotion.
In the midst of tensions and street protests, he rather declared an unwavered determination to fight his removal. He headed to the courts and got back his seat in less than a year. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was on his trail for more than ten years but failed to pin any case against him.
Not a few Nigerians, especially from his native city were unaware of the intrigues that surrounded the tinkering of the over two century old Olubadan chieftaincy system by Governor Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi which pitched the then High Chief against the Oyo State Government. In the midst of the brouhaha created by the amended declaration, Ladoja openly declared that the balkanization of the Ibadan traditional council was targeted at stopping him from ascending the Olubadan throne. Rather than being cowed, Adewolu Ladoja was resolute to get what he desired. The unweary warrior rejected the state Government’s intervention, particularly the splitting of the authority, rights and priviledges of the Olubadan on the beaded Crown. Indigens within and outside Ibadan land heard him loud and clear “I will not wear a crown apart from that worn by the Olubadan….”
Today Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (Arusa the first) sits on the throne of Ibadan-land as a survivor of five (5) powerful political figures, three (3) of whom are dead. His life, his exploits and his attainments are lessons in indomitable courage, strident belief in destiny, and the benevolence of God. His life also mirrors a tale of coincidences. He was born on 25th September 1944 and got enthroned as 44th Olubadan on 25th September 2025.
Oba Ladoja’s ascension to the throne of his forebears is evoking lots of expectations from his people majorly centered on advancing the status of the great city of Ibadan and its position in the socio – economic and political equation of Nigeria.
No wonder, elevating Ibadan, the only one (1) of the three (3) defunct Regional Capitals of the country into a state like its peers is so paramount to every Ibadan son and daughter. It was therefore a prime demand by the 44th Olubadan at his coronation.
A lot of people are looking forward to the new Olubadan to use his experience as a Political administrator, enterprise as an investor and astitute board room management, disposition to education, wide connections in and outside the country, as well as his goodwill to galvanise Ibadan to greater heights. Others are also expectant of a possible return to the age long Olubadan’s exclusive right to the crown, which has guaranteed a durable rancor – free and smoothened succession order.
Oba Rashidi Ladoja is a successful technocrat and businessman with a networth of $750 Million Dollars, making him the richest man in Oyo state.
Ibadans are not just hopeful but optimistic that a king has come who will deploy all resources (private and public) to turn around the ancient city of celebrated warriors.
Olusola Ajiboye is a veteran journalist and media consultant based in Osogbo, South West Nigeria.
