Ibadan remains one of the most culturally respected cities in Nigeria, and at the heart of its history is the Olubadan stool. For over two centuries, this royal seat has carried the weight of leadership, tradition, and identity for the people of Ibadanland.

What makes the Olubadan system stand out is how it works. Unlike other kingdoms where the crown stays within certain families, Ibadan follows a clear step-by-step structure. Chiefs move up gradually through the ranks, often spending many years before becoming king. This method has helped to reduce royal disputes and ensure order.

Since 1820, Ibadan has produced 43 Olubadans. From war heroes to peacemakers, every ruler has played a role in shaping the city’s story. Below is the full list of those who have led Ibadan from the beginning till today:

• Lagelu – 1 year (1820)
  He founded Ibadan and laid the foundation for its kingship system.
• Baale Maye Okunade – 6 years (1820–1826)
  He was the first to rule after Lagelu and helped stabilise early Ibadan.
• Baale Oluyedun Labosinde – 4 years (1826–1830)
  He led during the early warrior period of the city.
• Baale Lakanle – 5 years (1830–1835)
  He consolidated internal leadership and dealt with external threats.
• Basorun Oluyole Ojaba – 15 years (1835–1850)
  A legendary war chief who defended Ibadan against invasions.
• Baale Oderinlo Opeagbe – 1 year (1850–1851)
  His reign was brief and marked by succession struggles.
• Baale Oyesile Olugbode – 13 years (1851–1864)
  He maintained peace and trade across the city during his rule.
• Baale Ibikunle – 1 year (1864–1865)
  He served a short term and was known for his honesty.
• Basorun Ogumola – 2 years (1865–1867)
  A fearless military figure who defended Ibadan’s boundaries.
• Balogun Beyioku Akere – 3 years (1867–1870)
  He was known for expanding Ibadan’s influence in the region.
• Baale Orowusi – 1 year (1870–1871)
  His reign was cut short due to political tension.
• Aare Oadoke Latoosa – 14 years (1871–1885)
  He was the last military leader of the Yoruba Confederacy.
• Balogun Ajayi Osungbekun – 8 years (1885–1893)
  He ruled during a time of growing colonial interest.
• Baale Fijabi I – 2 years (1893–1895)
  He was known for his strong opposition to colonial rule.
• Baale Osuntoki Olusun – 2 years (1895–1897)
  A respected figure who managed palace reforms.
• Basorun Fajimi – 5 years (1897–1902)
  He was recognised for building alliances with other Yoruba leaders.
• Baale Mosaderin Sunlehinmi – 2 years (1902–1904)
  He led with a focus on maintaining internal unity.
• Baale Dada Opadare – 3 years (1904–1907)
  His reign witnessed increasing British presence in Ibadan.
• Basorun Sumonu Apanpa – 3 years (1907–1910)
  He worked closely with colonial administrators.
• Baale Akintayo Awanibaku – 2 years (1910–1912)
  Known for his simplicity and accessibility to the people.
• Baale Irefin – 2 years (1912–1914)
  He was respected for his religious tolerance and wisdom.
• Baale Shittu – 11 years (1914–1925)
  One of the longest-serving Baales before the title became Olubadan.
• Baale Oyewole Aiyejenku – 5 years (1925–1930)
  He served during the early wave of Western education in Ibadan.
• Olubadan Okunola Abaasi Alesinloye – 16 years (1930–1946)
  The first ruler to officially bear the title Olubadan.
• Olubadan Fagbinrin Akere II – 3 months (1946)
  His short reign ended unexpectedly due to health issues.
• Olubadan Oyetunde I – 8 months (1946)
  Another brief reign marked by palace disagreements.
• Olubadan Akintunde Bioku – 1 year (1947–1948)
  Known for restoring peace among the chiefs.
• Olubadan Fijabi II – 4 years (1948–1952)
  He continued the legacy of his father with strong leadership.
• Olubadan Memudu Alli – 3 months (1952)
  His reign was the shortest in post-colonial Ibadan history.
• Olubadan Igbintade – 3 years (1952–1955)
  He modernised palace administration before independence.
• Oba Isaac Babalola Akinyele – 9 years (1955–1964)
  He was a Christian leader and a key figure in post-independence Ibadan.
• Oba Yesufu Kobiowu – 2 months (1964)
  His reign ended due to sudden illness.
• Oba Salawu Akanbi Aminu – 6 years (1965–1971)
  He was respected for his wisdom and calm approach to leadership.
• Oba Shittu Akintola Oyetunde II – 5 years (1971–1976)
  He ruled during a politically unstable period in Nigeria.
• Oba Gbadamosi Adebimpe – 1 year (1976–1977)
  His rule was cut short by his passing.
• Oba Daniel Tayo Akinbiyi – 5 years (1977–1982)
  He was known for his focus on youth development.
• Oba Yesufu Oloyede Asanike – 10 years (1983–1993)
  A well-respected monarch during the military regime era.
• Oba Emmanuel Adegboyega Operinde – 6 years (1993–1999)
  He led during Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
• Oba Yinusa B. Ogundipe (Arapasowu I) – 8 years (1999–2007)
  He symbolised peace and cultural unity across Ibadan.
• Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade I – 9 years (2007–2016)
  A former teacher and politician, crowned at 93 years old.
• Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji – 6 years (2016–2022)
  A successful music promoter before ascending the throne.
• Oba Lekan Balogun – 2 years (2022–2024)
  A former senator known for his intellectual background.
• Oba Akinloye Owolabi Olakulehin – 1 year (2024–2025)
  The 43rd Olubadan of Ibadan.