IBADAN: The newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to approve the creation of Ibadan State, insisting that the demand reflects the collective aspiration of his people.
Speaking during his coronation on Friday at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, Oyo State, the former senator and ex-governor declared that Ibadan deserved statehood and urged the Federal Government to act swiftly
They (Olubadan-in-Council) have a message for you, Mr President. They want Ibadan State. Or is it not so?” Ladoja asked, prompting cheers from the crowd.
“I’m sure that if President Tinubu has one option of state creation from Oyo State, it’d be Ibadan State. Please do this in good time. We can’t wait to have Ibadan State, in fact, before the 2027 election.”
The monarch, who turned 81 a day earlier, reaffirmed his commitment to serving Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, and Africa, while commending residents for their resilience throughout the weeklong coronation rites.
Governor Seyi Makinde officially presented the staff of office to Oba Ladoja, congratulating all sons and daughters of Ibadanland at home and abroad” and stressing unity within the traditional institution.
President Tinubu, who attended the coronation, hailed Oba Ladoja as “a rare gem in history, applauding his resilience and courage, particularly during his political career as Oyo governor.
“Today is an exciting day. It’s a great honour for me as president to witness this historic coronation. Your perseverance, determination and reliability are impeccable, Tinubu said, adding that the Nigerian economy had turned the corner and that brighter days lay ahead.
The colourful coronation drew dignitaries from across the country, including the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Ọlaoye; and Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III.
Former governors Donald Duke, Ibikunle Amosun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and Rabiu Kwankwaso were also in attendance.
Oba Ladoja becomes the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, taking his place in a centuries-old throne central to Yoruba history and tradition.
Nigeria currently has 36 states spread across six geopolitical zones, with state creation remaining a major issue in the ongoing constitutional review.
