Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, a renowned politician and former Governor of Oyo State, is set to become the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan land.
Early Life and Education
Ladoja studied chemical engineering at the University of Liège, Belgium, graduating with a First Class degree. He attended Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo, before proceeding to Belgium.
Professional Career
Ladoja worked as an engineer with Total Nigeria for over a decade and later became a director of Standard Trust Bank Limited. He built a business empire with interests in shipping, farming, and other sectors.
Politics
Ladoja was elected Senator in 1993 and Governor of Oyo State in 2003. His tenure was marked by controversy, including an impeachment saga in 2005. The Supreme Court reinstated him in 2006.
Challenges and Controversies
Ladoja faced significant challenges during his governorship, including a power struggle with the late Lamidi Adedibu and his deputy, Adebayo Alao-Akala. He was impeached in 2005 but reinstated by the Supreme Court in 2006.
Later Political Career
After leaving office, Ladoja made several attempts to return to politics, including running for governor in 2011 and 2015. He merged his Accord Party with the PDP in 2017 and later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).
Personal Style
Ladoja is known for his simple and traditional style, often wearing Ankara dresses and a farmer-styled native cap. He adopted this style after a visit to Benin Republic with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Legacy
As Ladoja prepares to ascend to the throne, his unique blend of humility, discipline, and leadership experience will likely shape his reign as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan land.
