From Power to Palace: Rashidi Ladoja Emerges as the 44th Olubadan – A Monarch Forged in Politics, Industry & Principle

Former Oyo State Governor, Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, is poised to ascend the throne as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland — a historic moment for both the ancient city and the political colossus. Unlike many of his predecessors, Ladoja’s name resonates across every corner of Oyo State, thanks to a storied journey that spans engineering, entrepreneurship, and politics. But behind the public persona is a man forged by discipline, simplicity, and resilience.

Ladoja’s life has been defined by excellence from the start. His academic brilliance took him to the University of Liège in Belgium, where he earned a First-Class degree in Chemical Engineering between 1966 and 1972. Prior to that, he had attended Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, from 1964 to 1965.

Upon returning to Nigeria, he began his professional journey with Total Nigeria, where he worked diligently for over a decade, rising through the ranks with distinction.

In 2000, Ladoja’s corporate expertise led to his appointment as a director at Standard Trust Bank Limited. Over the years, his entrepreneurial footprint grew. He made a fortune through diversified ventures — as an engineer, a commercial farmer with clients beyond Oyo State, a shipping magnate, and a strategic investor across multiple industries.

A common refrain in describing his success reads:

“Ladoja made his money through many ways — as an engineer, a farmer, a shipping company owner, and generally a business mogul.”

Ladoja first emerged in national politics when he was elected a Senator for Oyo South in 1993 during the short-lived Third Republic. A decade later, in 2003, he rode on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to become Governor of Oyo State — a victory many credited to his business acumen and clean reputation.

His administration focused on education, healthcare, and infrastructure, with a strong emphasis on human capital development.

However, his tenure was turbulent. In 2005, Ladoja was controversially impeached, following a dramatic power tussle with his political godfather, the late Lamidi Adedibu, and his then-deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala. His refusal to bow to Adedibu’s overbearing influence triggered the impeachment saga that shook the state.

In 2006, after a protracted legal battle, the Supreme Court reinstated him as governor, a landmark moment that cemented his reputation as a principled and tenacious leader.

But the fallout with Akala would define the political climate in Oyo for years, sparking one of the most intense political rivalries in the state’s history.

After his exit in 2007, Ladoja remained active in politics. He contested the 2011 and 2015 governorship elections under the Accord Party, losing both to Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

In 2017, he merged Accord back into the PDP but left again due to internal disputes, leading him and other political heavyweights to form the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in 2018. That alliance later proved unsustainable, prompting another move — this time to the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

Despite all these transitions, Ladoja continued to be a key player. In the 2019 general elections, he led a coalition that endorsed Seyi Makinde of the PDP, effectively collapsing the structures of multiple opposition candidates to ensure victory.

Beyond politics and power, Ladoja is admired for his simplicity, notably reflected in his consistent wardrobe choice — free-flowing Ankara garments and a traditional farmer’s cap.

In a 2024 interview, he explained the inspiration behind his fashion preference:

“During a visit to Benin Republic with President Obasanjo, their President, Kérékou, admired Obasanjo’s simple Ankara attire and advised his people to emulate him. That moment struck a chord with me. Since then, I’ve stuck with Ankara — not for show, but because it represents simplicity and pride in what we produce as a people.”

Even 11 years later, his style remains unchanged — a symbol of humility, cultural pride, and authenticity 

As High Chief Rashidi Ladoja prepares to ascend the throne as the 44th Olubadan, he brings with him a lifetime of experiences — academic brilliance, professional excellence, political resilience, and an unwavering connection to his roots.

Ibadanland awaits a king who has seen the world, led at the highest level, fallen and risen, yet remains grounded in culture and committed to the people.

The Olubadan stool has had many occupants — but none quite like Ladoja.