Rasheed Ladoja

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja (born 25 September 1944) became governor of Oyo State in Nigeria on 29 May 2003. He is a member of the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).

On 12 January 2006, Ladoja was impeached by Oyo State legislators and forced to leave office, but eventually challenged his impeachment successfully. His deputy, Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala, was immediately sworn in as the new governor by the acting chief judge of the State; who himself was purportedly removed from office thirty minutes earlier by Ladoja. The political power play was apparently as a result of Ladoja's fight with Chief Lamidi Adedibu; often called the strongman of Ibadan politics, and a chieftain of the PDP.

On 1 November 2006, the Appeal Court in the state capital, Ibadan, declared the impeachment null and illegal. A fixed date on return to office was not immediately confirmed. But according to the Appeal Court, Ladoja still remains governor of Oyo State.

On 4 November 2006, The attorney general of Nigeria advised Ladoja to wait for the Supreme Court decision, before he started to parade himself as the governor of the state. His security details were restored, however. On December 12, 2006, Ladoja officially took office, several days after his reinstatement was upheld by the Supreme Court.

Ladoja, who has shown a great deal of leadership trait, confirmed his interest in running for second team as the Oyo State Governor. So far, Ladoja seems to be qualified candidate for the PDP ticket which is currently being held by Alao-Akala. All luck may fall on Ladoja as his deputy is currently under investigation by the EFCC for mishandling funds during Ladoja's absence from office.