One of the most remarkable aspects of the Olubadan chieftaincy is its non-hereditary and rotational succession system. This system ensures a fair and organized ascension to the throne, distinguishing it from many other traditional rulership’s in Nigeria, where the kingship often passes from father to son.
The two main lines of succession:
Otun Line: Focuses on civil administration.
Balogun Line: Historically associated with military leadership.
Each line consists of multiple ranks or steps, and the succession to the throne is structured to promote chiefs from one rank to the next as vacancies occur. When the current Olubadan passes away, the most senior chief from either line ascends the throne, creating a structured progression that allows for experienced and matured leadership.
Each rank progresses sequentially, ensuring that every new Olubadan has served in various capacities, gaining experience and insight into the city’s governance and cultural heritage.
Egbe Balogun / Balogun Line / Military Line | Egbe Agba / Otun Line / Civil Line |
22 Otun Balogun of Ibadanland 21 Osi Balogun of Ibadanland 20 Ashipa Balogun of Ibadanland 19 Ekerin Balogun of Ibadanland 18 Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland 17 High Chief Abese Balogun of Ibadanland 16 High Chief Maye Balogun of Ibadanland 15 High Chief Ekefa Balogun of Ibadanland 14 High Chief Agba Akin Balogun of Ibadanland 13 High Chief Aare-Alasa Balogun of Ibadanland 12 High Chief Ikolaba Balogun of Ibadanland 11 High Chief Asaju Balogun of Ibadanland 10 Senior Chief Ayingun Balogun of Ibadanland 9 Senior Chief Aare-Ago Balogun of Ibadanland 8 Senior Chief Lagunna Balogun of Ibadanland 7 Senior Chief Oota Balogun of Ibadanland 6 Senior Chief Aare-Egbe-omo Balogun of Ibadanland 5 Senior Chief Gbonnka Balogun of Ibadanland 4 Senior Chief Aare Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland 3 Senior Chief Bada Balogun of Ibadanland 2 Senior Chief Ajia Balogun of Ibadanland 1 Senior Chief Jagun Balogun of Ibadanland | 22 Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland 21 Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland 19 Ekerin Olubadan of Ibadanland 18 Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland 17 High Chief Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland 16 High Chief Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland 15 High Chief Ekefa Olubadan of Ibadanland 14 High Chief Agba Akin Olubadan of Ibadanland 13 High Chief Aare-Alasa Olubadan of Ibadanland 12 High Chief Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland 11 High Chief Asaju Olubadan of Ibadanland 10 Senior Chief Ayingun Olubadan of Ibadanland 9 Senior Chief Aare-Ago Olubadan of Ibadanland 8 Senior Chief Lagunna Olubadan of Ibadanland 7 Senior Chief Oota Olubadan of Ibadanland 6 Senior Chief Aare-Egbe-omo Olubadan of Ibadanland 5 Senior Chief Gbonnka Olubadan of Ibadanland 4 Senior Chief Aare Onibon Olubadan of Ibadanland 3 Senior Chief Bada Olubadan of Ibadanland 2 Senior Chief Ajia Olubadan of Ibadanland 1 Senior Chief Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland |
In addition to the prominent figures from both the Otun and Balogun lines, the Ibadan traditional leadership includes Mogajis and Baales, who have more localised authority within the city’s numerous communities and family compounds.