Rashidi Ladoja Biography: From Politics to the Throne of Olubadan
Rashidi Ladoja: Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja is one of Nigeria’s most remarkable men, a figure whose life story brings together politics, business, resilience, and tradition. He is a man who has worn many crowns: as a chemical engineer, a successful businessman, a governor of Oyo State, and finally the Olubadan of Ibadanland, one of the most respected traditional stools in Nigeria. His journey from humble beginnings in Ibadan to becoming a senator, a governor, and eventually a revered monarch shows a life full of determination, struggles, victories, and lessons. Many people remember him as a man who faced political storms but never gave up, and today, his name is written in history as both a leader in government and in traditional authority.
This biography tells the story of Rashidi Ladoja in detail, from his childhood and family background to his education, career, political battles, achievements, and his new role as the Olubadan of Ibadan.
Early Life and Family Background
Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was born on 25 September 1944 in Gambari village, located near Ibadan, in Oyo State, Nigeria. He grew up in a typical Yoruba family setting, surrounded by culture, tradition, and a community spirit that shaped his values. His father was Alhaji Oyinlola Ladoja, while his mother was Alhaja Alimotu Ladoja. His parents were respected in their community, known for their discipline and commitment to raising their children with morals and education.
Growing up, Rashidi was very close to his family, and though not much has been widely published about all his siblings, it is known that he was raised in a large extended family environment, which is very common in Yoruba culture. From his early years, he showed signs of intelligence, courage, and a deep interest in learning. His parents, especially his mother, encouraged him to pursue education, which became the key to his success later in life.
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Education
Rashidi Ladoja’s educational journey began at Ibadan Boys High School, where he studied from 1958 to 1963. He was a bright student who enjoyed mathematics and sciences, subjects that would later influence his career path. After finishing secondary school, he continued at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo between 1964 and 1965, where he completed his advanced studies.
With a strong passion for higher education, Ladoja traveled abroad to Belgium. In 1966, he gained admission into the University of Liège, one of Europe’s respected universities. There, he studied Chemical Engineering and graduated in 1972. His time in Belgium exposed him not only to engineering but also to global ideas, culture, and leadership. This international exposure helped him develop a broad vision for life and shaped his ability to combine modern thinking with traditional African values.
Professional Career in Business
After completing his studies, Ladoja returned to Nigeria and joined Total Nigeria, one of the leading oil companies. He worked there for about 13 years, holding different engineering and managerial roles. His dedication, intelligence, and leadership skills helped him rise within the company.
In the mid-1980s, after gathering enough experience and resources, he left Total to venture into private business. His business career was very successful. He invested in shipping, agriculture, manufacturing, transportation, and banking. He became a respected entrepreneur, employing people and contributing to the Nigerian economy.
By the year 2000, he had become a director at Standard Trust Bank Limited (which later merged with United Bank for Africa, UBA). This showed how influential and successful he had become, not only as an engineer but also as a businessman.
Political Career
Rashidi Ladoja’s political journey began during Nigeria’s Third Republic. In 1992, he contested and was elected as a Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District under the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). In the Senate, he served as a member of the Committee on Works, where he made contributions to national debates and development.
In 2003, Ladoja contested the Oyo State governorship election under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He won and was sworn in as governor on 29 May 2003. His victory brought hope to the people of Oyo State, and his administration focused on education, infrastructure, and health.
However, his time as governor was full of challenges. On 12 January 2006, he was controversially impeached by the Oyo State House of Assembly. His deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala, was sworn in as governor. The impeachment was linked to political disagreements, especially with his political godfather, Chief Lamidi Adedibu.
But Ladoja did not give up. He went to court to challenge the impeachment. In December 2006, the Court of Appeal and later the Supreme Court ruled that his impeachment was illegal. He was reinstated as governor and returned to office in early 2007. He completed his term on 29 May 2007. His courage to fight injustice made him popular among his supporters.
Even after leaving office, Ladoja remained active in politics. He formed the Accord Party and contested the governorship of Oyo State in 2011 and 2015 but lost both times. In 2017, he returned to the PDP, but internal disagreements made him leave again. Later, he joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and then the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) in 2018. His constant political moves showed his determination to remain relevant in Nigerian politics, even if he faced many obstacles.
EFCC Case
In 2008, Rashidi Ladoja faced legal troubles when the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accused him of mismanaging proceeds from the sale of Oyo State government shares, worth about ₦1.9 billion. He was arrested, detained for a while, and later granted bail. The case dragged on for years, and in the end, the courts discharged and acquitted him, clearing his name.
Traditional Leadership
One of the most fascinating parts of Rashidi Ladoja’s life is his traditional journey in Ibadan. The Ibadan traditional system is unique, with two lines of succession: the civil line (Otun) and the military line (Balogun). Ladoja joined the civil line and started his rise decades ago as Jagun Olubadan, which is the entry point into the chieftaincy ladder.
Over the years, he climbed steadily, holding titles such as Osi Olubadan and Otun Olubadan. This journey is long and requires patience, discipline, and service to the community. Unlike in some kingdoms where kingship is hereditary, in Ibadan, anyone who is patient and dedicated enough can rise to the throne.
On 7 July 2025, the then Olubadan, Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin, passed away. As the next in line, Rashidi Ladoja was nominated by the Olubadan-in-Council to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The nomination was approved by Governor Seyi Makinde, and he was officially crowned on 26 September 2025, just a day after his 81st birthday. This made him one of the few Nigerians to have been both a state governor and later a traditional ruler.
Personal Life
Rashidi Ladoja is a Muslim, known for his faith and humility. He is married to Bolatito Ladoja, and together they have children and grandchildren. Family is very important to him, and he is often described as a father figure not just to his children but to many people in Ibadan and Oyo State.
Despite his wealth and political status, he is known for being approachable, calm, and respectful. Those who know him well say he combines wisdom with simplicity, a trait that has helped him both in politics and in traditional leadership.
Achievements
As Governor:
- Expanded schools and improved educational facilities in Oyo State.
- Worked on road construction and rehabilitation.
- Improved healthcare delivery.
- Focused on youth empowerment.
In Politics:
- Served as a Senator during the Third Republic.
- Served as Governor of Oyo State and successfully fought against an illegal impeachment.
In Traditional Leadership:
- Climbed through all the ranks of Ibadan’s unique chieftaincy system.
- Crowned the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland in 2025.
In Business:
- Built a successful career in oil, shipping, banking, agriculture, and manufacturing.
Net Worth
Rashidi Ladoja’s exact net worth is not publicly available, but considering his long career in business, politics, and traditional leadership, he is believed to be worth several millions of dollars. His wealth comes from his private businesses, investments, and past political career. Beyond money, however, his greatest wealth is his legacy as a leader who made history in politics and tradition.
Conclusion
Rashidi Ladoja’s life is an example of resilience. From a village boy in Gambari to a governor, and from a governor to the throne of Olubadan, his journey shows patience, courage, and determination. He faced political battles, court cases, and challenges, yet he rose above them all. Today, he is celebrated not only as a former governor but also as the Olubadan of Ibadan, a symbol of culture, unity, and tradition.