Past Olubadans of Ibadanland: a historical retrospective

By Adejayan Gbenga –

As Ibadan mourns the passing of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, who joined his ancestors in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, attention has turned once again to the rich legacy of the Olubadan throne — a position deeply embedded in the cultural and political identity of Ibadanland.

Since the establishment of the traditional leadership structure in 1820, Ibadan has witnessed a unique rotational chieftaincy system unlike any other in Yorubaland. Over the centuries, this system has produced 43 revered monarchs, each leaving an indelible mark on the history and growth of the city.

A Rich Lineage of Leadership

The lineage began with Lagelu in 1820, regarded as the founding hero of Ibadan. Since then, Ibadanland has had monarchs who rose through the ranks of either the civil or military lines — a succession tradition that ensures a peaceful and structured ascension to the throne.

Some of the most notable rulers include Basorun Oluyole Ojaba (1835–1850), a warrior king who played a pivotal role in shaping early Ibadan; Aare Latoosa (1871–1885), known for his political dominance in the Yoruba region; and Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele (1955–1964), a respected Christian leader and nationalist.

More recent monarchs have included Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji (2016–2022), a renowned music promoter turned traditional ruler, and Oba Lekan Balogun (2022–2024), a scholar and politician. Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, who reigned from 2024 until his passing in 2025, was widely respected for his calm leadership and deep traditional knowledge.

Complete List of Past Olubadans of Ibadanland

1. Lagelu – 1820
2. Baale Maye Okunade – 1820–1826
3. Baale Oluyedun Labosinde – 1826–1830
4. Baale Lakanle – 1830–1835
5. Basorun Oluyole Ojaba – 1835–1850
6. Baale Oderinlo Opeagbe – 1850–1851
7. Baale Oyesile Olugbode – 1851–1864
8. Baale Ibikunle – 1864–1865
9. Basorun Ogumola – 1865–1867
10. Balogun Beyioku Akere – 1867–1870
11. Baale Orowusi – 1870–1871
12. Aare Latoosa – 1871–1885
13. Balogun Ajayi Osungbekun – 1885–1893
14. Baale Fijabi I – 1893–1895
15. Baale Osuntoki Olusun – 1895–1897
16. Badorun Fajimi – 1897–1902
17. Baale Mosaderin Sunlehinmi – 1902–1904
18. Baale Dada Opadare – 1904–1907
19. Basorun Sumonu Apanpa – 1907–1910
20. Baale Akintayo Awanibaku – 1910–1912
21. Baale Irefin – 1912–1914
22. Baale Shitu – 1914–1925
23. Baale Oyewole Aiyejenku – 1925–1930
24. Olubadan Okunola Abass Alesinloye – 1930–1946
25. Olubadan Fagbinrin Akere II – 1946
26. Olubadan Oyetunde I – 1946
27. Olubadan Akintunde Bioku – 1947–1948
28. Olubadan Fijabi II – 1948–1952
29. Olubadan Memudu Alli – 1952
30. Olubadan Igbintade – 1952–1955
31. Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele – 1955–1964
32. Oba Yesufu Kobiowu – 1964
33. Oba Salawu Akanbi Aminu – 1965–1971
34. Oba Shittu Akintola Oyetunde II – 1971–1976
35. Oba Gbadamosi Akanbi Adebimpe – 1976–1977
36. Oba Daniel Tayo Akinbiyi – 1977–1982
37. Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike – 1983–1993
38. Oba Emmanuel Adegboyega Operinde – 1993–1999
39. Oba Yinusa B. Ogundipe Arapasowu I – 1999–2007
40. Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I – 2007–2016
41. Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji – 2016–2022
42. Oba Lekan Balogun – 2022–2024
43. Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin – 2024–2025

A New Chapter Beckons

With the transition of Oba Olakulehin, the traditional line of succession points to High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the current Otun Olubadan, as the next in line to ascend the revered throne. A former governor of Oyo State and seasoned politician, Ladoja is set to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, continuing a long-standing tradition of leadership rooted in merit, seniority, and service.

As Ibadan looks forward to a new chapter under its incoming monarch, the legacy of past rulers serves as a reminder of the strength, resilience, and rich heritage that define the soul of Ibadanland.

May the reign of the next Olubadan bring peace, progress, and prosperity to all.