Traditional drummers, supporters, and well-wishers on Monday thronged the Ibadan residence of former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, following his emergence as the Olubadan-designate.
Ladoja, who holds the title of Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, is next in line to become the 44th Olubadan, after the passing of Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, whose death was announced earlier in the day.
The former governor’s home, located on Ondo Street, Old Bodija, became a centre of traditional celebration as drummers and praise-singers gathered to mark the beginning of a new chapter in Ibadan’s royal lineage.
Though Ladoja was not at home at the time, a source close to him confirmed that the gathering was part of the age-old tradition observed after the death of an Olubadan.
“It is customary that traditional drummers and supporters visit the residence of the next in line to the throne immediately after the passing of the reigning Olubadan,” the source explained.
Ibadan’s traditional system follows a unique hierarchy, where succession to the throne is determined by seniority among high-ranking chiefs from the two royal lines — Otun and Balogun.
With this development, all eyes are now on the formal approval process that will confirm Ladoja’s ascension as the new Olubadan of Ibadanland.