The 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has urged the Federal Government to establish Ibadan State, making a passionate appeal shortly after his coronation.
Speaking to the people of Ibadan after receiving the Staff of Office from Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, the monarch delivered his message in Yoruba, stressing that Ibadan people see state creation as a top priority.
He 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 officially presented the Staff of Office to the new monarch, described Oba Ladoja’s emergence as the 44th Olubadan as a moment of pride for Ibadan and Oyo State at large.
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.
“The succession process to the throne of Olubadan is now well established and free from contestation, and this is a source of pride for us all. I rejoice with the Olubadan, the Ibadan Council of Chiefs, and the entire people of Ibadanland.
“It is my prayer that the reign of Oba Adewolu Ladoja will usher in lasting peace, unity, and greater progress for Ibadanland and for Oyo State as a whole.”
The coronation ceremony attracted dignitaries from across the country, including 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.
Earlier, traditional rites were performed at the Labosinde Compound, Oja’ba, where the Afobaje of Ibadanland, Chief Waheed Popoola, placed Akoko leaves on Oba Ladoja’s head before the monarch proceeded in a grand procession to Mapo Hall for the official ceremony.
The new Olubadan’s entourage included his political allies such as Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun (Ibadan South) and former Oyo State governorship candidate, Teslim Folarin.
Also in attendance were Senator Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central), Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), and Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, who represents Ogbomoso North in the House of Representatives, along with several other federal and state lawmakers.
What you should know
Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland, officially received his Staff of Office from Governor Seyi Makinde at a grand coronation attended by top dignitaries nationwide.
During the ceremony, the monarch urged President Bola Tinubu to prioritize the creation of Ibadan State before 2027, highlighting the longstanding demand of Ibadan people.
