Why Ibadan Kings are always Old: Six Facts

Unlike other Yoruba towns and villages, Ibadan operates a distinctive and longstanding Obaship system.

Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State in southwestern Nigeria, is an ancient Yoruba city founded by warriors.

Below are six important facts to understand this system:

1. The Olubadan Ascension Ladders

The path to becoming Olubadan follows two lines: the Civil (Olubadan) line and the Military (Balogun) line. After earning the title of Mogaji from one’s family compound, a man begins to ascend either of these lines.

Civil Line (Olubadan or Egbe Agba) has 22 stages, starting from Jagun up to Otun Olubadan:

1. Jagun
2. Ajia
3. Bada
4. Aare – Onibon
5. Gbonnka
6. Aare – Egbe – Omo
7. Oota
8. Laguna
9. Aare – Agọ
10. Ayingun
11. Asaju
12. Ikọlaba
13. Aare – Alasa
14. Agba-Akin
15. Ẹkẹfa
16. Maye
17. Abese
18. Ekaarun Olubadan
19. Ekerin Olubadan
20. Asipa Olubadan
21. Osi Olubadan
22. Otun Olubadan

Military Line (Egbe Balogun) has 23 stages, also starting from Jagun up to Balogun:

1. Jagun
2. Ajia
3. Bada
4. Aare – Onibon
5. Gbonnka
6. Aare – Egbe – Omo
7. Oota
8. Laguna
9. Aare – Agọ
10. Ayingun
11. Asaju
12. Ikọlaba
13. Aare – Alasa
14. Agba-Akin
15. Ẹkẹfa
16. Maye
17. Abese
18. Ekarun Balogun
19. Ekerin Balogun
20. Asipa Balogun
21. Osi Balogun
22. Otun Balogun
23. Balogun
24. Rotation Between Civil and Military Lines

The Olubadan stool alternates between these two lines. For example:

Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun (Olubadan Line) succeeded Oba Saliu Adetunji (Military Line), who died on January 2, 2022.

Oba Balogun was later succeeded by Oba Olakulehin (Military Line), who died at age 90 in July 2025.

Following this pattern, the next Olubadan is expected from the Civil line.

3. No Specific Royal House

Unlike many Yoruba kingdoms with two or three ruling families rotating the throne, Ibadan’s system is open to any true son of the city, provided he progresses through the chieftaincy ladder in either line.

4. Promotion of Lesser Obas

In recent history, former Governor Abiola Ajimobi elevated some High Chiefs and Baales to Obaship status to modernise the system. His successor, Governor Seyi Makinde, initially withdrew these crowns following court settlements but later reinstated the Obaship status in July 2023 after amending the state’s Chieftaincy Law.

This made Ibadan the first Yoruba city where a lesser Oba can ascend to become a superior Oba without affecting the traditional ascension order.

5. Age of Monarchs

Due to the lengthy promotion process in both lines, the Olubadan throne is often occupied by elders. For example:

Oba Owólabí Olakulehin, aged 84, succeeded Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun.

Promotions occur mainly when a reigning Olubadan passes or is succeeded, and deaths along the ladder also influence promotions.

6. Longest-Serving Olubadan

Because Olubadans ascend the throne at an advanced age, many reigns are short. Recent examples include:

Oba Saliu Adetunji (2016-2022) crowned at age 87, died at 93.

Oba Moshood Lekan Balogun (2022-2024) crowned at age 79, died at 81.

Oba Olakulehin (2024-2025) died at 90.

However, Oba Okunola Abaasi Alesinloye Isale Ijebu reigned for 16 years (1930-1946), marking one of the longest reigns.