The Olubadan-in-Council is the most powerful and respected traditional council in Ibadanland, serving as the inner circle of the Olubadan of Ibadan. It is a unique institution not only in Yorubaland but across Nigeria—a system rooted in merit, seniority, and peaceful succession.

As the city transitions from Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin to the next Olubadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, there is no better time to understand how this enduring system works—and the key figures behind it.

What is the Olubadan-in-Council?

The Olubadan-in-Council is the highest traditional authority in Ibadan. It comprises senior chiefs from two distinct chieftaincy lines:

The Olubadan line (civil line)

The Balogun line (military line)

Each line ascends independently but eventually converges at the stool of the Olubadan. The most senior chief in either line becomes the next Olubadan when the stool becomes vacant, depending on which line it is the turn of.
In addition to these male chiefs, the Iyalode of Ibadan—the highest-ranking female chief—sits on the council as the voice and representative of women in the traditional hierarchy.

Olubadan: The Time Tested Seamless Journey To Kingship in Ibadan

🛡️ Who are the Members of the Olubadan-in-Council?

The council includes the following titles, ranked in order of seniority in each line:

Olubadan Line (Civil)
Otun Olubadan

Osi Olubadan

Asipa Olubadan

Ekerin Olubadan

Ekarun Olubadan

Balogun Line (Military)
Balogun of Ibadanland

Otun Balogun

Osi Balogun

Asipa Balogun

Ekerin Balogun

Ekarun Balogun

These high chiefs are not political appointees—they ascend through decades of service and progression in traditional titles. Once a man enters either line, he patiently climbs the ladder, often spending many years at each rung before advancing.

👑 How One Becomes the Olubadan

Ibadan’s kingship is unlike any other in Nigeria. It is predictable, peaceful, and purely based on seniority and merit, not on royal bloodlines.

There are two major lines to the throne: If the Olubadan line (civil) produces one Olubadan, the next Olubadan comes from the Balogun line (military). The lines alternate with each reign.

Once the reigning Olubadan passes away, the most senior chief in the next line becomes the new king. For example, with the death of Oba Olakulehin (from the Balogun line), the next Olubadan will be Oba Rasheed Ladoja, who is the Otun Olubadan.
This system ensures peaceful transitions with minimal dispute or royal family rivalry.

Rasheed Ladoja: Meet the New Olubadan of Ibadan

A Modern Twist: Kings Within a City

In 2017, under the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the traditional structure was modernised—controversially. He elevated the high chiefs to beaded-crown-wearing monarchs, each given responsibility over specific zones within the Ibadan metropolis.
While this move sparked legal battles and public debate, it introduced a modern administrative twist to the traditional structure. The high chiefs—now crowned obas—retain their places in the Olubadan succession line but also perform more direct local functions.

Why This Structure Matters

The Olubadan-in-Council is not just ceremonial. It advises the Olubadan on land matters, chieftaincy issues, disputes, cultural events, and community development. Decisions taken here carry the weight of tradition, history, and communal consensus.

Final Thoughts

The beauty of Ibadan’s traditional system lies in its simplicity, logic, and time-tested effectiveness. It doesn’t just produce a king—it produces leaders who have spent decades learning, observing, and serving.

As Oba Rasheed Ladoja prepares to ascend the throne, his journey reflects the strength of the Olubadan-in-Council—a structure that honours experience, demands patience, and rewards service.