The newly crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the creation of Ibadan State before the end of his administration in 2027.
The monarch made the appeal during his coronation ceremony after receiving the staff of office at Mapo Hall on Thursday. The event was attended by President Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and several dignitaries.
Speaking in Yoruba, Oba Ladoja said:
“My people sent me a message to Mr. President. Mr. President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Governor Makinde, who cut short his scheduled leave to personally attend the ceremony, praised Oba Ladoja’s ascension to the throne as a moment of pride for Ibadan residents.
“It is a great honour to join in celebrating the coronation and presentation of the staff of office to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adewolu Ladoja, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland,” Makinde said. “The joy and excitement that fill Ibadan today remind us of the importance of upholding our cherished traditions.”
The coronation followed a series of traditional rites, including the symbolic presentation of the Akoko leaf at Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, marking Oba Ladoja’s full induction as Olubadan.
The push for Ibadan State has been gaining momentum. In October 2024, the House of Representatives passed for second reading a bill seeking to amend the 1999 Constitution to create both Ibadan and Oyo States. The bill, sponsored by Akeem Adeyemi — son of the late Alaafin of Oyo — proposes Ibadan as the capital of the new state.
With President Tinubu present at the historic coronation, Oba Ladoja’s request is seen as a significant political statement and a renewed call for the long-demanded state creation.
