On Friday, the 26th day of September 2025, the people of the ancient warrior city of Ibadan got a new King in Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa I. The coronation was greeted with excitement across the length and breadth of Ibadan Land.

Afinju FM brings you 12 interesting things to know about the New Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Rashidi Ladoja.

  • Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was born on Monday, 25th September, 1944.
  • He holds a Chemical Engineering Degree from the University of Liege in Belgium.
  • He worked with Total Energy Nigeria for 13 years.
  • He was once a Director of Standard Trust Bank Limited.
  • Rashidi Ladoja, as Senator, represented Oyo South Senatorial District at the Senate from 1992 to 1993, on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
  • He was sworn in as Governor of Oyo State on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party on May 29, 2003 after defeating Alh. Lam Adesina of the Alliance for Democracy.
  • On the 12th day of January 2006, he was impeached by Oyo State Legislators. The impeachment was a direct consequence of his fallout with Alh. Lamidi Adedibu, the late big man of Ibadan politics.
  • Based on the decision of the Supreme Court reinstating him, Rashidi Ladoja returned to office as Governor of Oyo State on the 12th day of December 2006.
  • He lost the April 11 2011 Governorship Election in Oyo State, on the platform of the Accord Party.
  • Oba Ladoja, in 2017, was the only Ibadan High Chief to reject the ceremonial Beaded Crown bestowed on some Ibadan High Chiefs and Baales on August 28, 2017.
  • On Monday, 12th August 2024, he accepted the ceremonial Beaded Crown from the 43rd Olubadan, the late Oba Owolabi Olakulehin
  • Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, becomes the 44th Olubadan of Ibadan Land.