The newly crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure the creation of Ibadan State before the end of his administration in 2027.
The monarch made the appeal during his coronation on Thursday after receiving his staff of office at a grand ceremony held at Mapo Hall, Ibadan. The event was attended by President Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and other dignitaries.
Speaking in Yoruba, Oba Ladoja said his ascension to the throne was a platform to champion the aspirations of his people, particularly their longstanding demand for a separate state.
He declared: “My people sent me a message to Mr President. Mr President, they said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Governor Makinde, in his remarks, described the emergence of Ladoja as a source of pride for the ancient city.
He said: “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. The joy and excitement that fill Ibadan today remind us of the importance of upholding our cherished traditions.”
Before the official coronation, the monarch had observed traditional rites, including the symbolic reception of the Akoko leaf at the Labosinde Compound in Oja’ba, marking his induction into the revered stool.
Governor Makinde, who cut short his leave to personally conduct the presentation, formally resumed office earlier in the week, as confirmed by the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Calls for the creation of Ibadan State gained renewed momentum last year when a constitution amendment bill seeking to carve out both Ibadan State and a new Oyo State passed second reading at the House of Representatives.
The proposed law, sponsored by Akeem Adeyemi, son of the late Alaafin of Oyo, alongside six other lawmakers, recommended Ibadan city as the capital of the new Ibadan State, while Oyo town would serve as the capital of the proposed Oyo State.
If realised, the move would fulfil decades of agitation by Ibadan indigenes, who argue that their population and historical significance merit a separate state.
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