The Olubadan stool in Ibadan, Oyo State, operates a distinctive and structured Obaship system unlike other Yoruba towns.
The Olubadan stool in Ibadan, Oyo State, operates a distinctive and structured Obaship system unlike other Yoruba towns. Firstly, the Olubadan ascension ladder involves two lines: the Civil (Egbe Agba) and Military (Egbe Balogun) lines. Aspirants must rise through 22 or 23 hierarchical chieftaincy stages, respectively, beginning from the title of Jagun. Secondly, the rotation of succession alternates between both lines. The late Oba Olakulehin of the Military line succeeded Oba Lekan Balogun from the Civil line, and the next Olubadan is expected from the Civil line.
Thirdly, Ibadan has no specific royal houses; any true Ibadan indigene can ascend the throne by climbing the hierarchy. Fourth, lesser Obas have been promoted, a development introduced by ex-Governor Ajimobi and later ratified under Governor Makinde, who re-elevated 10 high chiefs in 2023 without altering the ascension structure.
Fifth, the system typically produces aged monarchs due to the slow, hierarchical promotions—often triggered by death or succession. Lastly, Ibadan’s longest-serving monarch, Oba Alesinloye, reigned for 16 years (1930–1946), though recent monarchs, including Oba Saliu Adetunji, Oba Lekan Balogun, and Oba Olakulehin, had relatively short reigns due to advanced age at ascension.