15 things to know about the incoming Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Rashidi Adewolu Akanmu Ladoja;
1. Ibadan Son
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was born on 25 September 1944 in Gambari, Ibadan.
2. Strong Educational Foundation
He attended Ibadan Boys’ High School and Olivet Baptist High School before earning a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Liège in Belgium.
3. Early Career in Oil & Gas
Ladoja worked for 13 years at Total Nigeria, rising through engineering and managerial positions.
4. A Seasoned Businessman
Beyond politics, he built interests in shipping, manufacturing, agriculture, banking, and transport, and once served as a director at Standard Trust Bank.
5. Entry Into Politics
His political journey began in 1991 when he was elected senator under the SDP during the Third Republic.
6. Governor of Oyo State
Ladoja was elected governor in 2003 on the platform of the PDP. He was controversially impeached in 2006 but reinstated by the Supreme Court later that year, finishing his term in 2007.
7. Clash With a Political Godfather
His impeachment stemmed from a fallout with the late Chief Lamidi Ariyibi Adedibu.
8. Resilient and Independent
He successfully fought his impeachment in court, a move that cemented his reputation as a principled leader who valued due process.
9. Shifting Party Loyalties
After leaving the PDP, he floated the Accord Party and later associated with ADC and the Zenith Labour Party.
10. Path to the Throne
Ladoja rose through the traditional Ibadan hierarchy to become Otun Olubadan, the most senior civil line chief. By succession.
11. Family Man
He has been married to his wife, Mutiyat, for over 42 years. They have six children, including Grace, who was honoured with an MBE in the UK for her work in the music industry.
12. He is also a well-known polygamist despite his wife, Mutiat. Other wives are not that well known.
13. Governance Style
As governor, he prioritised education, agriculture, affordable housing, and water projects.
14. Fashion & Tradition
Ladoja is known for his preference for traditional Yoruba attire.
15. Respected Elder Statesman
Today, he is admired in Ibadan and beyond for his humility, integrity.
