The royal drummers of Ibadanland have moved to the Bodija home of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, signaling his emergence as the next Olubadan following the death of Oba Owolabi Olakulehin.
This shift in traditional allegiance came swiftly after news broke on Monday of Oba Olakulehin’s passing. In keeping with long-established cultural practice, the royal drummers, custodians of Ibadan's rich palace music tradition, immediately repositioned themselves with the next most senior chief in the Olubadan line, Oba Ladoja, who holds the title of Otun Olubadan.
As is customary in Ibadan’s rotational succession system, Ladoja is next in line for the revered throne, pending formal nomination by the Olubadan-in-Council. Once selected, the Council will present his name to the Oyo State Government for ratification and subsequent presentation of the staff of office.
A similar tradition played out following the transition of Oba Lekan Balogun on March 14, 2024, when the drummers moved from the late king’s Alalubosa residence to that of Oba Olakulehin.
Oba Ladoja, born September 25, 1944, is a prominent figure in Ibadan and Oyo State politics. A former governor of the state, his anticipated ascension will bring a new chapter in the city’s storied monarchical history.
The Olubadan stool, regarded as one of Nigeria’s most unique traditional institutions due to its hierarchical and predictable succession system, continues to draw attention across the South-West region for its cultural consistency and deep-rooted Yoruba heritage.
As the city awaits the official pronouncement, traditional drums have resumed their rhythm, this time, at the Bodija residence of the next Olubadan.
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