Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State and a major city in southwestern Nigeria, stands out among Yoruba towns for its distinctive and historically rich kingship structure. Unlike other towns with rotating royal houses, Ibadan’s traditional system of ascension to the throne of Olubadan is uniquely merit-based, deeply hierarchical, and built on a centuries-old military and civil chieftaincy ladder.
Here are six key facts about the Olubadan Obaship system that make it one of a kind in Yorubaland:
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1. Dual Ascension Ladders: Civil and Military Lines
Ibadan’s kingship system features two distinct lines of succession:
Olubadan (Civil) Line
Balogun (Military) Line
Each line begins at the title of Jagun and progresses through 22 (civil) or 23 (military) chieftaincy stages. A candidate must start from the bottom and earn each promotion. This structure ensures that by the time one becomes Olubadan, they are extensively groomed in leadership.
The Civil Line features ranks like Otun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, and Asipa Olubadan, while the Military Line has equivalents like Balogun, Otun Balogun, and Osi Balogun.
2. Rotational Succession Between the Two Lines
The throne alternates between the Civil and Military lines. For example, the late Oba Saliu Adetunji, who reigned until January 2022, was from the Military Line. He was succeeded by Oba Lekan Balogun from the Civil Line. Most recently, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, from the Military Line, mounted the throne before his passing on July 7, 2025.
This rotation ensures fairness and balance between both structures.
3. No Fixed Royal Houses
Unlike many Yoruba towns where kingship is restricted to certain royal families or houses, Ibadan’s system is open to any indigene of Ibadan. Once you become a Mogaji (family head), you may begin ascending the ladder — regardless of whether you were born into a royal family.
This openness has made the system more inclusive, giving room for merit and community service over hereditary privilege.
4. Promotion of High Chiefs to ‘Lesser Obas’
In 2017, the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi initiated reforms that elevated some High Chiefs and Baales to Oba status. Though initially resisted, his successor, Governor Seyi Makinde, later regularized the move legally in 2023 by amending the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law.
Now, 10 members of the Olubadan-in-Council wear beaded crowns as “lesser Obas.” However, this elevation does not affect the traditional order of succession to the Olubadan stool.
Ibadan thus became one of the few Yoruba towns where a crowned Oba can ascend to a higher throne.
5. Elderly Monarchs as a Norm
Due to the long succession ladder, it is common for the Olubadan to be of advanced age at the time of ascension. Promotions occur only upon death or elevation of those ahead in rank.
Oba Olakulehin, for instance, became Olubadan at age 84. His predecessor, Oba Balogun, was crowned at 79, while Oba Adetunji ascended at 87.
This age-long progression system makes Ibadan one of the few places where kingship is the peak of a lifelong journey of community service.
6. Reign Length Varies, But History Records the Longest
While most recent Olubadans have reigned briefly due to old age at ascension, Ibadan has had a monarch with a remarkably long reign. Oba Okunola Abass Alesinloye, who ruled between 1930 and 1946, held the throne for 16 years, making him one of the longest-reigning Olubadans in history.
Conclusion
Ibadan’s Obaship system remains a rare blend of tradition, hierarchy, and inclusivity. Rooted in its warrior origins, the city has preserved a structure where leadership is earned through dedication and loyalty to community — not simply by birth. As the city now anticipates the next Olubadan, all eyes are on the Civil Line, where the next monarch, likely Otun Olubadan and former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, awaits coronation.
■Credit … Nigerian Tribune
