The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has declared that gaining entry into the Olubadan traditional line is no longer determined by wealth, but by merit and contributions to society.
He explained that the Ibadan traditional system has now been restructured to ensure that only individuals with proven records of service and commitment to grassroots development can begin the journey to the throne. According to him, aspiring entrants into the Olubadan line—starting from the Jagun position—must apply formally and present verifiable evidence of their impact within their communities.
Ladoja emphasized that this decision was reached collectively by the Olubadan Advisory Council to promote fairness, credibility, and integrity in the traditional leadership structure. To ensure transparency, he revealed that multiple screening committees have been established to assess applicants based on their qualifications and contributions rather than financial strength.
The monarch noted that the reform is aimed at preserving the dignity of the Ibadan chieftaincy system and preventing it from being dominated by wealthy individuals without genuine service to the people. He reaffirmed that the new approach will encourage responsible leadership and sustain the revered succession process of the Olubadan institution.
