Long Live The King: Things To Note About Oba Rashidi Ladoja
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was on Friday, September 26, 2025 installed as the 44th Olubadan of the ancient Ibadan Kingdom, foremost in Oyo State.
Following are some key facts about the newly crowned monarch, Rashidi Lakoja:
- He has been married to his wife, Mutiyat, for over 42 years. They have six children, some of whom are Christians, including Grace, who was honoured with an MBE in the UK for her work in the music industry. But he is also a well known polygamist despite his wife Mutiat being well known. His other wives are not that well known.
- During the short-lived Nigerian Third Republic, he was elected to the Nigerian Senate in 1992 as a member of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
- Rashidi Ladoja served as the Governor of Oyo State from 2003 to 2007 under the People’s Democratic Party. On 12th January 2006, Ladoja was impeached by Oyo State legislators and forced out of office and replaced by his Deputy Governor, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala. The Supreme Court reinstated him on 11th November 2006, and Ladoja officially resumed office on 12th December 2006.
- Born on September 25, 1944, Oba Ladoja assumed the Olubadan stool at the age of 81. His wealth of experience in politics, business, and public service is expected to shape his reign.
- He studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Liège in Belgium and speaks several languages, including French. Before venturing into politics, he built a successful professional career.
- Ladoja worked with multinational corporations such as Total Nigeria before establishing himself in the oil, gas, and shipping sectors. His entrepreneurial background remains a strong part of his legacy.
- The new Olubadan began his climb up the traditional ladder over three decades ago. He rose steadily through the ranks: holding titles like Jagun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and Otun Olubadan—before finally becoming king in 2025.
- In 2017, he fiercely resisted a controversial reform introduced by former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, which sought to elevate several Ibadan chiefs to kingship status. Ladoja challenged the move in court and won, preserving the integrity of the Olubadan succession system.
- In this Republic, Ladoja was PDP Governor from 1999. He was Governorship Candidate for Accord in 2011 but lost to Senator Abiola Ajimobi. He returned to PDP in 2017. He moved to African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2018 and with his followers moved to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in December 2018.
- On 28th August 2008, Ladoja was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of non-remittance of the proceeds of sale of government shares totaling N1.9 billion during his administration and briefly remanded in prison. He was granted bail on 5th September.
- His most prominent wife, Queen Olori Rashidat Olayinka Ladoja, read Law at the University of Benin. She had established herself in legal practice and international business by 1998 when she met Oba Ladoja through a mutual friend of her sister shortly after the monarch returned from political exile in Britain.
- Tinuade Ladoja, one of his wives, died October 2024. Until her demise, Tinuade was an influential member of the Pastor-in-Council of the Celestial Church of Christ, the highest decision-making body of the church.
