Oba Rashid Ladoja
By Olayiwola Mercy
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba Rashidi Ladoja, is set to elevate seven senior chiefs in a grand ceremony this Friday, November 21, at the Banquet Hall of the Olubadan palace in Oke‑Aremo, Ibadan. The promotion exercise, which follows the recent elevation of five chiefs to fill the vacancy created when Oba Ladoja became the 44th Olubadan, will see *Chief Lekan Alabi* move from Maye Olubadan to the prestigious title of Abese Olubadan, while *Chief Ismaila Akinade Fijabi* steps up from Ekefa Olubadan to become Maye Olubadan. *Chief Saka Fola Lapade* will trade Agbaakin Olubadan for the Ekefa Olubadan title, and former Senate leader *Chief Teslim Folarin*, currently Aare Alaasa Olubadan, is slated to become Agbaakin Olubadan. The remaining chiefs—*Chief Muibi Ademola Adewuyi*, *Chief Raufu Yesufu Delesolu*, and *Chief Hammed Adetunji Lanihun*—will also ascend the ladder, moving from Ikolaba Olubadan to Aare Alaasa Olubadan, from Asaaju Olubadan to Ikolaba Olubadan, and from Ayingun Olubadan to Asaaju Olubadan, respectively.
The ceremony is expected to draw a host of dignitaries, traditional leaders, and invited guests, underscoring the cultural significance of the occasion. According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, the promotions are part of the ongoing restructuring of the Olubadan chieftaincy system, aimed at ensuring a smooth succession pipeline within the Otun Olubadan line. Observers note that these elevations reflect Oba Ladoja’s commitment to preserving Ibadan’s rich heritage while rewarding long‑standing service and community contributions.
In a statement, the media aide to the Olubadan highlighted that the promotion exercise not only fills the titles left vacant after the previous round of appointments but also paves the way for the remaining nine chiefs to be considered in the next phase of the gale of promotions sweeping through the Otun Olubadan line. The event promises to be a vibrant display of Ibadan’s traditional pageantry, with music, cultural rites, and well‑wishes from across the state and beyond.
So, if you’re planning to tune in or attend, you’ll witness a moment that blends history, politics, and community pride—all under the watchful eye of Oba Ladoja, who continues to shape the future of Ibadanland while honoring its storied past.
