Oba Ladoja to promote seven senior chiefs in Ibadanland
By Adejayan Gbenga –
The Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty Oba (Senator) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Aruwa I, will on Friday, 21 November 2025, elevate seven senior chiefs along the Olubadan chieftaincy hierarchy. The promotion exercise is part of the traditional upward movement that defines the revered Ibadan succession system.
According to a statement issued by the chief press secretary to the Olubadan, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, the ceremony will be held at the Banquet Hall of the Olubadan Palace, Oke Aremo, Ibadan. He noted that preparations have been concluded to ensure a smooth and well-organized event.
The statement listed Chief Rasheed Olalekan Alabi as one of the chiefs to be promoted, moving from Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland to Abese Olubadan. Also advancing is Chief Ismaila Akinade Fijabi, who will rise from Ekefa Olubadan to Maye Olubadan.
Chief Saka Fola Lapade is slated for elevation from Agbaakin Olubadan to Ekefa Olubadan. Similarly, former Senate Leader, Chief Teslim Folarin, currently Aare Alaasa Olubadan, will be promoted to Agbaakin Olubadan.
Other senior chiefs affected by the elevation include Chief Muibi Ademola Adewuyi, moving from Ikolaba Olubadan to Aare Alaasa Olubadan, and Chief Raufu Yesufu Delesolu, advancing from Asaaju Olubadan to Ikolaba Olubadan.
The list also includes Chief Hammed Adetunji Lanihun, who will be elevated from Ayingun Olubadan to Asaaju Olubadan of Ibadanland. All the elevations follow established traditional protocols.
The palace disclosed that the exercise will attract notable personalities, traditional rulers, and other invited guests from within and outside Oyo State. Attendees are expected to be seated early for the programme.
Friday’s ceremony, according to the palace, reinforces the orderly and peaceful succession tradition of Ibadanland, one of the most structured traditional systems in Nigeria. The Olubadan institution continues to emphasise stability, respect for seniority, and cultural preservation.
