Nigeria, July 8 -- As the city of Ibadan mourns the passing of the Olubadan, preparations are already underway for a seamless transition to the next traditional ruler.

Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, who ascended the throne as the 43rd Olubadan barely a year ago, died in the early hours of Monday.

The royal tradition dictates that High Chief Rashidi Ladoja, a former Oyo State governor who currently holds the title of Otun Olubadan, will ascend the throne as the next Olubadan.

In Ibadan's unique monarchical structure, succession follows a rotational system between two lines: the civil line (Otun Olubadan) and the military line (Balogun). The recently departed Olubadan hailed from the military line. As such, tradition dictates that the next mona...