Key Points
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The Olubadan throne follows a unique succession system.
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Notable rulers like Odulana and Adetunji waited decades.
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Tradition ensures stability despite political reform disputes.
The Olubadan title is one of Nigeria’s most respected traditional titles, and it is not like any other way to become a royal in the country. The Olubadan seat is different from thrones that are filled by hereditary claims or political lobbying because it has a strict, hierarchical system that can take decades to climb. Aspirants must work their way up through 22 chieftaincy levels, switching between the civil (Olubadan line) and military (Balogun line) lines until they reach the top.
Historians note that this structure, rooted in Ibadan’s 19th-century warrior republic, ensures order, stability, and fairness. Each new Olubadan, typically advanced in age, emerges through patience and longevity rather than direct inheritance, making Ibadan unique among Yoruba monarchies.
Olubadan throne follows a unique progression
According to a report by the Punch news, the Olubadan throne has produced iconic rulers such as Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade, who ascended at 93, and Oba Saliu Adetunji, who became monarch at 87. The current Olubadan, Oba Lekan Balogun, crowned in 2022, is a scholar and former senator, reflecting how many aspirants blend politics, business, and public service while waiting decades for their turn.
Unlike in Oyo or Ife, where royal bloodlines dominate succession, Ibadan’s system is open to any son of the soil inducted into the hierarchy early. Once on the ladder, advancement is guaranteed — provided the candidate lives long enough and avoids disqualification. This “queue system,” though slow, is often praised for its democratic nature.
Patience and politics shape royal ambition
The Olubadan throne remains prestigious yet politically sensitive. In 2017, former Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi attempted to reform the succession structure by elevating high chiefs to “beaded crown kings,” a move that sparked widespread controversy. Many Ibadan elders and cultural groups argued that tampering with the tradition undermined the stability of the city’s monarchy.
Despite periodic disputes, the system has endured. Analysts argue its durability lies in the stability it brings to Ibadan’s governance and cultural identity. Once crowned, the Olubadan enjoys near-unanimous respect, with his authority resting not on sudden elevation but on decades of earned progression through one of Nigeria’s most demanding royal ladders.
Ibadan’s royal path is based on tradition and endurance
The Olubadan throne still stands for strength and pride in one’s culture today. For people like High Chiefs Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State who is now in line, it is a lifelong journey that requires survival, service, and a lot of patience.
In Ibadan, being a king is less about inheriting the throne and more about staying strong. This legacy has kept the Olubadan stool both stable and highly respected.
