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As Ibadan celebrated the coronation of Oba Abdulrashidi Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland on Friday, attention turned once again to the unique and structured process of ascending to the city’s revered throne.
The historic event, held at Mapo Hall, was attended by President Bola Tinubu; Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun; Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo; Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti; Minister of Power Adebayo Adelabu; Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service Zacch Adedeji; 2023 presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party Rabiu Kwankwaso; former governors, ministers, royal fathers, clerics, members of the diplomatic corps, and other dignitaries.
Oba Ladoja, who previously served as Governor of Oyo State, ascended the throne through Ibadan’s unique rotational chieftaincy system.
Unlike most traditional monarchies in Nigeria, where succession is hereditary, the Olubadan stool is attained through a painstaking journey of promotions across clearly defined chieftaincy lines.
The system is divided into two tracks: the Otun (civil) line and the Balogun (military) line. Together, they make up 45 stages of ascension, with the throne rotating between both lines whenever it becomes vacant.
On the Otun line, there are 22 stages, beginning with the title of Jagun and culminating in Otun Olubadan, the last step before becoming Olubadan. Along the way, titleholders climb through positions such as Ajia, Aare Onibon, Ikolaba, Osi Olubadan, and others, each bringing greater responsibility and influence.
The Balogun line has 23 stages, also starting with Jagun and ending at Balogun. Chiefs on this path rise through ranks, including Aare Onibon, Lagunna, Agba-Akin, Ashipa Balogun, and Osi Balogun, before reaching the final stage.
By tradition, when the throne becomes vacant, the most senior chief on whichever line is due produces the next Olubadan. This means the process is not determined by family ties but by seniority, patience, and decades of service.
This rotational system has long been praised for its transparency and predictability, ensuring stability within Ibadan’s traditional institution.
The coronation of Oba Ladoja, who rose through the Otun (civil) line, is another reminder of the resilience of this succession model, which has stood for generations and continues to shape the cultural identity of Ibadanland.
