Oba Rashidi Ladoja urges swift action on state creation as he receives the Staff of Office
The newly crowned 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to ensure the creation of Ibadan State before the end of his current tenure in 2027.
Oba Ladoja made the call shortly after receiving the Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, during his coronation ceremony held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan. Addressing a jubilant crowd, the monarch said the request for Ibadan State was the foremost desire of his people, who had sent him to deliver the message directly to the President.
Speaking in Yoruba, the Olubadan declared, “My people sent me with a message to Mr. President. They said the creation of Ibadan State is their priority.”
Governor Makinde, in his goodwill message at the occasion, described Oba Ladoja’s ascension as a moment of great pride for the people of Oyo State. He noted that the coronation symbolized both unity and continuity, as the succession system of the Olubadan stool had become well structured and free from disputes.
“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,” Makinde said. He further prayed that the new reign would usher in peace, unity, and progress for Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
The coronation attracted a rich mix of dignitaries from across Nigeria. Among those present were the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III; former Kano State Governor, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi; and former Cross River State Governor, Donald Duke.
The day’s rites began at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, where the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, performed the traditional ritual of placing Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head before he proceeded in a colourful procession to Mapo Hall for the official ceremony.
The monarch’s entourage included several political figures, among them Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun (Ibadan South) and Teslim Folarin, a former governorship candidate in Oyo State. Also in attendance were Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, a member of the House of Representatives representing Ogbomoso North. They were joined by other federal and state lawmakers, symbolizing a broad show of solidarity for the historic event.
The coronation of Oba Ladoja was not only a cultural celebration but also a political statement, as the monarch used the platform to reinforce Ibadan’s long-standing agitation for state creation. His call to President Tinubu reflects renewed hopes that Ibadan, one of Nigeria’s largest cities, may soon gain recognition as a state capital in its own right.
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